Urban Crisis [Complete] - 2

A rustic-looking man named Xu Jiabao, around forty years old, entered the lobby of the Horizon Hotel in the capital. He was
clearly a township cadre, accompanied by a young man.

After looking around for a while, the young man said, "Mayor Xu, should I go up with you?"

"You look so rustic, just wait for me in the car."

"This place is so luxurious, it's like being abroad."

Xu Jiabao said to the lobby manager, "Excuse me, I need to ask you something. Which
room does President Jiao Dongfang work in?"

"Where are you from?"

Xu Jiabao humbly handed over his business card and said, "I'm Xu Jiabao, the mayor of Chengguan Town, Yanxing County.
We'll be friends from now on. If you have time, bring your wife and children to visit our town. It's a famous tourist attraction;
I'll cover all the food and lodging."

The manager said dismissively, "I'm not married yet."

"Then you'd be very welcome to bring your girlfriend."

"You know President Jiao?"

"Yes, yes. Secretary Jiao and his son often accompany foreign guests to our area. However, this
is my first time at the Capital Horizon Hotel; it's much more impressive than our local guesthouse."

"This is a five-star hotel. Have you made an appointment with President Jiao?"

"Yes, yes, the call is arranged."

The manager took out his phone and dialed. "Mr. Jiao, a guy named Xu Jiabao from Chengguan Town, Yanxing County, is looking for you. Should I have him come up
?... Hmm, sure."

The manager smiled. "I'll take you to the elevator."

"Thank you, thank you."

The manager led Xu Jiabao to the elevator.

In Xu Jiabao's eyes, Jiao Dongfang's office was similar to the White House in America. He sat uneasily on
the sofa .

Jiao Dongfang placed a box of Cuban cigars on the coffee table, opened the lid, and took out a cigar. He removed the transparent paper wrapper.

"A Havana cigar, have one."

"It's really strong, isn't it? You have to lean against the wall to smoke it?"

Xu Jiabao had never smoked one before. He couldn't hold it in his mouth and had to use a lighter to light it.

Jiao Dongfang smiled mockingly. "You need to use special matches, like this."

Jiao Dongfang took out a special pair of clippers, cut off the head of the cigar, handed the cigarette back to Xu Jiabao, and
lit it .

Xu Jiabao exclaimed, "It's quite complicated."

"One costs the equivalent of 468 RMB."

Xu Jiading took a puff. "It's good, strong yet gentle."

"You can't actually inhale when you smoke a cigar; you use your nose to savor the aroma. If you inhale it all in, you'll be dizzy after two puffs."

Xu Jiabao mustered his courage and said, "General Manager Jiao, when you visited last time, there was something I asked you to do for me. Is there any
progress ?"

Jiao Dongfang feigned ignorance and asked, "What is it?"

"It's about the county party secretary. There are five people on the assessment list, but I'm not on it.
Could you put in a good word for me with Secretary Jiao? Who becomes the county party secretary is just a matter of a word from Secretary Jiao."

Jiao Dongfang drawled, "It's not that simple. Going from a section chief to a bureau chief is like a carp leaping over the dragon gate!"

"I understand, I understand, it's not easy. Otherwise, why would I ask you for help? Sniff, I brought two photos."

Xu Jiabao took out two photos of cars from his briefcase.

“I know you don’t lack cars, you drive a Mercedes-Benz, but you can never have too many. This new Santana 2000,
you can keep it for grocery shopping, short trips, or just for fun. This Mercedes-Benz is a gift from us to the old man. I
know there are regulations from the central government that leaders can’t use vehicles exceeding the standard, but private cars are not subject to those regulations. This car is a token of our
appreciation; Secretary Jiao works so hard for the people, it’s only right that he rides in a better car.”

Jiao Dongfang looked at the photos and said, “Are the paperwork all correct?”

“Not at all, all official import paperwork. When can we bring these two cars over to you?”

"Just open your shop at my restaurant."

Having accepted the gift, Xu Jiabao felt much more at ease. "If I become the county party secretary, I'll allocate you a
large plot of land. You can have it wherever you want, however big or small, all free of charge
. You could make a fortune building a resort or something like that. I'm thinking, Secretary Jiao needs someone loyal to look after things in Yanxing County,
right? I'll be his lookout. He can dismiss me whenever he's unhappy with me
, but I'll still be loyal."

Jiao Dongfang gave Xu Jiabao a disapproving look. "Mayor Xu, you need to learn some official jargon. Promoting
capable, experienced cadres with grassroots work experience to leadership positions is crucial to
ensuring the government remains in the hands of the proletariat. For the country to achieve long-term stability, the policy direction is key, and cadres are
the decisive factor."

"There are no outsiders here. I will definitely study harder and live up to Secretary Jiao's expectations and trust." "

Go back and wait and see. It would be even better if you could produce some achievements in the short term. " “

I understand, I understand.”

Jiao Dongfang pressed the button, and Sally came in.

“See Mayor Xu out.”

“Mayor Xu, please.”

Xu Jiabao bowed and said goodbye, “Thank you for your trouble, thank you for your trouble.” Sally

saw Xu Jiabao off from the office.

After

seeing Xu Jiabao off, Jiao Dongfang went to the office corridor alone and stopped in front of a door. He unlocked
the door to a secret room, slipped inside, and then entered a large suite.

This was the main control room of a closed-circuit television system equipped with modern communication equipment. Dozens of color monitors filled
one wall, with the main screen in the center displaying fifty images. In the center of the room was the main control console, with many instruments and keyboards.

Jiao Dongfang sat in front of the main control console.

Jiao Dongfang calmed himself down, turned on the screen with the remote control, and immediately, all the color monitors showed images.

Jiao Dongfang operated the remote control, and the main color monitor showed the image of a guest room bathroom.

On the screen, an official put a towel, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, shower cap, and other items from the washbasin
into a plastic bag. The official came out of the bathroom and put a shoe polisher, shoehorn, and other items from the coffee table into the same
plastic bag.

Jiao Dongfang muttered to himself, "Hmph, you even want these odds and ends. I gave you a 50% discount on the room, and you
still think it's not enough? You call yourself a county magistrate. How shameful."

Jiao Dongfang picked up the internal phone. "

Housekeeping department? This is Jiao Dongfang. Immediately send County Chief Li in room 727 a dozen toiletries, a dozen
tissues , a dozen shampoo and shower gel, a dozen shoe polishers, and a dozen shoehorns."

"Send so much? What's the use?"

"Give him as much as he can take, so he doesn't have to search all over the place, it's too tiring."

On the screen, the cadre put two boxes of matches into a plastic bag.

"Give him a big bag of matches too, he can't use them all, he can sell them at the free market!"

"Should we deliver them right away?"

"Right away, he's checking out."

Jiao Dongfang changed the buttons on the remote control, and a wealthy man and a pretty girl appeared on the screen. Jiao

Dongfang pressed the zoom button. A close-up of the girl's head appeared on the screen.

The girl's name was Tian Congying, a college student. Her expression was slightly melancholy, obviously it was her first time working as a customer.

Tian Congying lowered her head and remained silent for a long time before raising her head.

"This is my first time doing this, please be gentle, don't be too rough."

"You're still a virgin? That's great, I'll pay more. Finding a virgin these days is harder than catching a spy."

"You have to pay first, the middleman agreed, six hundred yuan."

"Six hundred? I'll double it, one thousand two, as long as you serve me well! Hahahaha."

Jiao Dongfang sneered and picked up the phone: "Security Department..."

Chapter Four: College Student Forced into Prostitution, Host Willing to Offer Himself.

Jiao Dongfang hesitated, holding the phone. This guy was certainly despicable, but I instructed my subordinates not to interfere with guests seeking prostitutes in order to increase
room occupancy. If a precedent is set, it will be difficult to handle in the future.

A voice came from the phone, "This is the Security Department, is this Manager Jiao?"

Jiao Dongfang's eyes were fixed on the main monitor.

"...It's me, it's nothing."

Jiao Dongfang put down the phone. Suppressing his anger, he stared intently at the monitor.

On the screen, the rich man was taking off his clothes, this guy was all muscle.

"Miss Tian, why don't you take off your clothes first!"

"You have to pay first."

"Looks like you need the money urgently." "I've never been with a female college student before. Things have really changed;
even female college students are working as prostitutes. What are you so desperate for money for?"

"I need to buy a computer. I'm studying software engineering; having my own computer will make things much easier."

Jiao Dongfang's heart tightened; he immediately felt sympathy and pity for the female college student. Her willingness to sell herself for a computer made him
look at her with new respect.

"Novel, with a touch of the wicked. You're willing to sacrifice your brain for a computer? What a pity, what a pity. Fine, I'll
grant your wish."

The wealthy man pulled out a wad of cash and handed it to Miss Tian, the female college student.

"Okay, I'll double it, two thousand for you, since it's your first time." "

A wealthy man pounced on Miss Tian, a female college student.

Jiao Dongfang, facing the monitor, smoked and pondered, recalling his childhood.

In 1967, the Cultural Revolution reached its climax.

Capitalist roaders were paraded through the streets, and Jiao Pengyuan, in his thirties, was among them. A dozen or so high-ranking cadres being denounced were all
wearing tall hats. The Red Guards' slogans were deafening.

Jiao Pengyuan had a wooden sign around his neck that read 'Down with Jiao Pengyuan, the black secretary of the municipal party committee.'

Ten-year-old Jiao Dongfang tried to rush to his father's side but was pulled away by the Red Guards.

The parade passed, and little Jiao Dongfang stood alone in the middle of the road.

He reached for a Chinese dictionary from the bookshelf, about to put it in his pocket, when a hand grabbed him.

A sales clerk wearing a red armband slapped little Jiao Dongfang across the face. Blood trickled from his lip.

Jiao Dongfang picked up the phone. The shared fate of enduring humiliation for knowledge
stirred a pang of compassion in him for this girl whose name he didn't yet know; he wanted to do something for her.

'Department of Goods, please answer the phone, Manager Wu… Manager Wu, this is Dongfang.'" " Put up a notice immediately for a prize-winning
sales promotion . Use whatever excuse you like, but the grand prize is an IBM computer. Get it done within half an hour. I have
the arrangements."

Jiao Dongfang made another call.

"Public Relations Department, get Manager Liu on the phone… Maybe in half an hour, maybe in three minutes,
a young woman will come out of room 818. You must persuade her to go to the merchandise department to participate in the prize-winning shopping activity! Let her buy whatever she wants,
just make sure she buys something."

"Understood, Mr. Jiao."

Jiao Dongfang hung up the phone.

The prize-winning sales poster was put up.

Public Relations Manager Liu, beaming, accompanied Tian Congying, who had just come out of room 818, to the poster.

"Miss, why don't you try your luck? Buy a box of skincare cream, or a lipstick or something, maybe you'll
win the grand prize."

Tian Congying's eyes were drawn to the poster. She excitedly said, "The grand prize is an IBM?"

"Yes, let's try our luck."

Jiao Dongfang stared intently at Tian Congying from a corner of the merchandise department, his eyes filled with sympathy. "

I don't have that kind of luck, my life is so hard."

"Hey, spending money on something useful that you actually need isn't like buying a lottery ticket. Even if you don't win, it
's not a waste of money. Maybe you'll hit the jackpot!"

Tian Congying moved closer to the counter, browsing the merchandise.

Jiao Dongfang gestured, and Manager Wu nodded in understanding.

Tian Congying picked out the cheapest item. "I want a hair clip, this one."

Manager Wu took the hair clip from the counter.

"Eight yuan, miss."

Tian Congying paid.

Manager Wu pushed over an electronic lottery machine, saying, "Miss, why don't you draw a number? If the drawn number
matches the first prize number, the IBM computer is yours."

Tian Congying nervously said, "I don't have that kind of luck."

Manager Wu smiled amiably. "Haven't you heard of good fortune falling from the sky? You never know when you'll strike it rich
."

"Then I'll draw it?" “

Shake it boldly.”

Tian Congying gripped the lottery machine handle and turned it.

Numbers appeared one by one, finally stopping.

“666888! Oh my! Miss, you’ve won the grand prize! Three 6s, three 8s in a row, truly
a once-in-a-lifetime event ! Congratulations!”

Tian Congying had no idea that the program was set up so that no matter what she drew, this number would appear.

“Really?”

“Of course it’s real. Look, the number written on the poster is 666888, and you broadcast 666888.”

Tian Congying was at a loss. “The computer is mine?”

Manager Wu’s tone was very certain. “The computer is yours, absolutely.”

Tears streamed down Tian Congying’s face. She truly couldn’t believe that fate would ever smile upon her.

Jiao Dongfang, relieved, smiled and walked away.

Manager Wu said obsequiously, "Miss, what's your surname?"

"My name is Tian Congying."

"Miss Tian, please bring your ID card and come here tomorrow to pick up your computer."

Tian Congying stared blankly. Suddenly, she turned and rushed out of the merchandise department, out of the lobby, and to the fountain outside the hotel.
She sat on the stone steps and cried sadly.

She cried bitterly, but silently; those were tears of regret for losing her virginity.

In room 818, the wealthy man was punched and kicked by two security guards ordered by Jiao Dongfang,
blood streaming from his nostrils. He begged for mercy repeatedly.

"I'll never do it again, never again, please spare me..."

Jiao Dongfang returned to the control room, sat at the control panel, and watched the monitor show the scene of the wealthy man being beaten in the room.

"Please spare me, please, brothers! Stop hitting me!"

"Hit you? Hitting you is letting you off easy. You know what you just did. If we send you to
the police station , you'll be locked up for at least half a month."

Jiao Dongfang lit a cigarette.

"I'll never do it again."

"Don't you even know where you are?"

Jiao Dongfang turned off the monitor and exhaled a smoke ring. This was the best day of his life.

Jiao Pengyuan's Audi drove towards the West Suburbs Lakeside Community.

What evidence did Chen Hu find? Zhou Senlin said that Chen Hu found another bullet casing at the crime scene.
Could He Qizhang really have been murdered? Who caused Chen Hu's car accident and Tao Suling's death?
Jiao Pengyuan lit a cigarette in frustration.

If it was murder, then the case would be even more complicated. What questions would Li Haoyi confess to? What
would implicate Lin Guanghan, and me? It's like the more thirsty you are, the more salt you eat. Lin Xianhan should be on my side. Could he have become mayor
without me? Besides, Li Haoyi was his secretary!

But Lin Xianhan's words to Qian Zhong about "not an independent kingdom" were clearly aimed at me
. People's hearts are truly unpredictable. Only when he thought about spending several hours with the beautiful Song Huihui did his depressed mood improve
slightly .

Inside the car, Shen Shi said uneasily, "Secretary Jiao, I heard from Zhou Senlin that Chen Hu
found another bullet casing at the site of Vice Mayor He's suicide. Could it be that Vice Mayor He was really killed by someone?"

Jiao Pengyuan yawned, "Yes, the situation is getting more and more complicated. Chen Hu's car accident, Tao Suling's
death —who was responsible? It's a complete mess."

"Li Haoyi served as Mayor Lin's secretary for several years. I'll say a few words I shouldn't, but you seem to be thinking of Mayor Lin's
best interests, while he acts as if nothing's wrong. But if Li Haoyi is a mad dog biting indiscriminately, won't he make up something that damages your
image ?"

Jiao Pengyuan glanced at Shen Shi but didn't speak. “Also, Mayor Lin was promoted by you. He should be working alongside you, but what did

he mean by telling Qianzhong not to create an independent kingdom? Isn’t that aimed at you? You’re the top leader; it’s not his place to create an independent kingdom. Actually, I shouldn’t have said these things. I just wanted to share your burdens!” “Xiao Shen, do a good job. If you learn anything in the future, don’t have so many concerns; just tell me.” “Actually, I’ve always considered you my father, so sometimes I’ve said things I shouldn’t have. Dongfang can’t always be by your side; he has a lot to do. Taking care of you is my inescapable responsibility.” Jiao Pengyuan patted Shen Shi on the shoulder, expressing his satisfaction. The Audi drove into the beautiful lakeside residential area and stopped in front of a building. Jiao Pengyuan got out of the car. “Xiao Shen, you can drive the car back.” “Yes.” Jiao Pengyuan put on sunglasses and entered the building. Shen Shi said to the driver, "Let's go back. We can't tell anyone about this place." The driver smiled and said, "I've known Secretary Jiao longer than you, and I know the rules better. Do you need to tell me? I've been to this old place more times than you." Shen Shi was taken aback and smiled awkwardly. Jiao Pengyuan went up to the third floor and gently knocked on the door. A pair of hands pulled him inside. The famous TV host, Song Huihui, wearing a pink bathrobe, had just come out of the shower, her hair still wet, and she coquettishly embraced Jiao Pengyuan. "Secretary, you've finally shown up again." The beautiful Song Huihui removed Jiao Pengyuan's hat, took his sunglasses from his nose, and helped him take off his shirt. "I've been so busy lately, one frustrating thing after another." The famous TV host, Song Huihui, helped Jiao Pengyuan half-recline on a Louis XV-style chaise lounge, untied his shoelaces, and took off his shoes. "Still Martell?" Jiao Pengyuan nodded. The famous TV host, Song Huihui, took an opened bottle of Martell from the wine cabinet and poured two small, half-glasses. She sat on the bed, nestled beside Jiao Pengyuan, and handed him a glass. "Here, for your health." Jiao Pengyuan placed the glass on the coffee table, gazing silently at the beautiful Song Huihui. "Why are you staring at me like that? Haven't seen me for half a month, have I gotten uglier?" "Huihui, you've become Li Shishi?" "Secretary Jiao, what do you mean by that?" "It's obvious! Li Shishi slept with the emperor and the prime minister. I only found out you were having an affair with Vice Mayor He ." The famous TV host, Song Huihui, suddenly stood up, her full breasts trembling like . "That's a rumor. Someone's dead, why throw mud at them? Dead people can't speak. If you throw mud at me, I won't stand for it. I'm alive, I can speak!" "Don't get agitated. You know me, I don't speak without evidence. Huihui, tell me, did Vice Mayor He commit suicide because of you?" The beautiful Song Huihui blushed. "Impossible. Even for his mother, let alone me, he wouldn't have committed suicide. Vice Mayor He didn't commit suicide at all. He promised to come to the recording the next day and even take me to Wuxi . How could he suddenly commit suicide? Maybe someone beat him to death." Jiao Pengyuan took out a cigarette, but the beautiful Song Huihui snatched it away. "I won't let you smoke until you explain clearly." "You want me to explain clearly? I'm trying to find out." "Of course! Why should I take the blame, as if I killed Vice Mayor He!" "Alright then." Jiao Pengyuan took out a videotape from his pocket.

“See for yourself.”

The beautiful Song Huihui took the videotape, preparing to insert it into the VCR.

But she suddenly sensed something, stopped, and asked suspiciously, “What’s this?”

Jiao Pengyuan, still on the bed, sneered, “You’re asking me? You should see for yourself… I’m going to take a shower first.”

“Relax.”

The famous TV host Song Huihui helped Jiao Pengyuan take off his outer clothes and pushed him into the bathroom, saying,
“Call me when you’re scrubbing my back.”

The beautiful Song Huihui closed the bathroom door. Returning to the bed, she picked up the videotape

. The sound of water came from the bathroom.

The famous TV host Song Huihui inserted the videotape into the VCR; she wanted to see what it recorded
.

The screen showed the dialogue and moans of a man and a woman.

“Huihui, come up here.”

“You wish, you want comfort and ease.”

“You little vixen…”

The famous TV host Song Huihui was stunned.

Jiao Pengyuan’s voice suddenly came from behind: “Now, are you satisfied?”

Jiao Pengyuan stood by the bathroom door.

The famous TV host, Song Huihui, abruptly turned off the VCR, white
spots .

She slumped onto the edge of the bed, pale-faced, muttering, "How did you get this? How could this thing exist?"

"Hmph, if you don't want people to know, don't do it in the first place. Besides, science and technology are so advanced now."

The famous TV host's mind went blank. "How could this... how
could

The famous TV host's consciousness was thrown into a state of confusion by the sudden, intense stimulation... Suddenly,
she frantically sat up, ejecting the videotape to tear it.

"It's no use, it's a copy, the original isn't in my hands."

The beautiful Song Huihui lay on the bed, crying sadly.

Jiao Pengyuan stroked Song Huihui's buttocks and said, "Don't worry, although the original isn't in my hands, I
can control it. I'll keep this a secret for you. But you've been cheating on me with He Qizhang behind my back; you've really wronged
me." "

Beautiful Song Huihui looked up with tearful eyes, "I can't help it... He's harassing me, I can't offend him...

I hate him... I only have you in my heart."

"Did He Qizhang ever propose to you?"

"He would never do that. He's only thinking about his future. He has dozens of women at the same time. He's not
as sincere as you are to me. Secretary Jiao, can you understand my predicament?"

Jiao Pengyuan said sadly.

"I can understand you, but who can understand me? I've been under a lot of pressure lately. So many
overpasses are under construction, and I worked day and night to build them. But some people just won't admit it
. They seize on trivial matters and complain about me to the central government. I'm not afraid of anyone. Anyone who talks big,
spouts empty words, or uses platitudes, dare to challenge me! Let's see who does more actual work! I live in a bigger,
better house, so what? Don't you see how many houses I've built for the people? Several of my neighborhoods are national models
! Is it my fault that He Qizhang has some problems?" Lin Biao was Chairman Mao's chosen successor! Sigh!

Jiao Pengyuan sighed deeply, then turned and went back into the bathroom.

The famous TV host Song Huihui sat blankly on the edge of the bed, lost in painful memories.

He

Qizhang drove a brand-new Porsche, with the famous TV host Song Huihui sitting beside him.
She said radiantly, "This car is so beautiful!"

"Not as beautiful as you. No matter how beautiful it is, it's just a cold, steel body. You are warm and fragrant; you
are my Porsche. Isn't that right, Huihui?"

"Me? How many Porsches do you have?"

He Qizhang sensed the barb in Song Huihui's words and smiled slightly, "Just this one."

"I meant the warm and fragrant Porsche."

"Jealous? You look most endearing when you're jealous. Huihui, is today your birthday?"

"Thank you for remembering."

"Do you like this car?"

"Of course I like it, it's over 800,000, right?" "If you

like it, I'll give it to you as a birthday present."

"Where did you get the car?" "It wasn't stolen, was it?"

"It was a tribute from a company. I got them a 60 million loan."

The famous TV host Song Huihui exclaimed sincerely, "Ah, being an official is good. If you want to buy a Porsche,
who can afford it?"

He Qizhang placed his hand on the beautiful Song Huihui's thigh, "Being an official isn't as good as you. You have to use your brain and take
risks . You, on the other hand, you've got everything you need by relying on me."

He Qizhang braked and switched seats with Huihui.

He Qizhang rubbed against Huihui's stomach, and the beautiful Song Huihui pinched He Qizhang's thigh and said, "You're hurting me,
you bastard."

"Trying to frame the leader, aren't you?"

The famous TV host Song Huihui said coquettishly, "The leader? To me, you're a horseshoe."

He Qizhang touched the beautiful Song Huihui's thigh, and the beautiful Song Huihui pushed him away.

"This is on the highway, watch out for the police."

The famous TV host, Song Huihui, started the engine, and the car shot off like an arrow. Driving fast was her
greatest thrill .

The red Porsche stopped at a red light at an intersection.

A traffic policeman approached and knocked on the window, his attitude very harsh .

"You're speeding. Show me your driver's license."

A traffic patrol car pulled up behind, and two officers got out, one of them holding a walkie-talkie.

The traffic policeman saluted and reported, "Report, the Porsche has been stopped."

The officer opened the car door and said sternly, "Get out and pull over."

The other officer suddenly recognized Vice Mayor He and hurriedly apologized, saying, "It's alright, go, go,
Vice Mayor He, I'm sorry."

The famous TV host, Song Huihui, stepped on the gas, and the car sped off.

The traffic policeman who had stopped the car said, bewildered, "Why did you let it go?"

"He Qizhang, Vice Mayor He, if your license is confiscated, will you take it to the municipal government, or should I?"

The traffic policeman straightened his peaked cap and muttered discontentedly, "So we're just there to bully ordinary people,
and we're always subservient to officials. This job is really boring. "

A red Porsche drove into the lakeside upscale residential complex.

He Qizhang was now driving.

The beautiful Song Huihui looked out the window. Rows of luxurious residences nestled against the mountainside and beside the water were incredibly beautiful.

"What place is this?"

"You call yourself a journalist, and you don't even know this place? It's the Lakeside Community, a project personally overseen by Qian Zhong.
Prices start at 12,000 yuan per square meter!"

The famous TV host, Song Huihui, clicked her tongue in amazement. "For us wage earners, forget about ever dreaming of
it."

"That's true, everyone here is rich. But thirty-six units are mine."

"Yours? Where did you get so much money?"

"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask. I have sixty more units elsewhere."

The beautiful Song Huihui was genuinely surprised: "Can you even live in all of them?"

"I think it's not enough. Why was Song Jiang able to succeed? Why couldn't Wang Lun? Wang Lun was narrow-minded and
intolerant. Song Jiang's policy was generosity and righteousness, which led to his ultimate success. Now that I'm the vice mayor, I can't forget
my friends. These houses are for my friends. The more friends I have, the more houses I need."

The Porsche stopped in front of a European-style building.

He Qizhang got out of the car, walked around to the other side of the car, opened it, and invited the beautiful Song Huihui to get out.

They entered the building and went to the third floor. He Qizhang took out his key, opened the door, and gestured for a visit.

"Please come in, this is my classroom."

It was a four-room apartment with a living room, a ceiling with lights, wallpaper on the walls, Malaysian carved wooden doors, Italian
marble floors, and Japanese bathroom fixtures. But there was no furniture yet.

The beautiful Song Huihui's expression was slightly exaggerated; she opened her arms wide.

"So beautiful!"

He Qizhang led the beautiful Song Huihui to admire each room.

"Absolutely gorgeous! It must

be up to the standards of a bureau chief!" "At least up to the standards of a bureau chief. However, even a bureau chief wouldn't have imported marble floors. This isn't wallpaper;
it's imported environmentally friendly wall covering."

"Is this your house?"

"No, it's yours."

"Mine?"

The famous TV host Song Huihui's eyes widened, and her surprised expression amused He Qizhang.

"It's a birthday gift for you, matching the Porsche."

"Really?"

He Qizhang said casually, "It's just a four-bedroom apartment, why would I lie to you?"

The famous TV host Song Huihui hooked her arms around He Qizhang's neck, her
eyes full of affection as she looked at her generous lover.
He Qizhang kissed the beautiful Song Huihui. "The house is yours. I'll take care of the housing certificate and property deed for you,
without any problems. But there's one condition..."

"I'll agree to anything."

"Your coward is not allowed to step into this house. I'll furnish it for you. You choose
the style , and you don't need to worry about anything else. This house belongs only to you and me."

Song Huihui replied to He Qizhang, "I promise you. I didn't originally plan to let him know. But to be honest,
even if he did find out, he'd pretend not to know, and might even be secretly pleased."

"Also, when Grandpa Jiao needs your help, you won't refuse, will you?"

The famous TV host Song Huihui laughed crisply, "Don't flatter me. Everyone knows you were
promoted by Grandpa Jiao. They're practically inseparable, why would I need to speak on your behalf?"

"Not entirely. Sometimes, words spoken in the ear are more effective."

The famous TV host, Song Huihui, broke free from He Qizhang's embrace and said seriously, "
What are you saying? It's as if I have an affair with the old man.

" He Qizhang pushed Huihui away. "Don't play dumb. I already know, and I don't mind. I even hope you treat
the old man a little better. However, it's best not to let him know about our affair. If you bring the old man here,
let me know beforehand, just so we don't run into each other. One servant, two masters. You should play Goldoni for a while." "

Unexpectedly, He Qizhang became so excited. They were caressing each other when his hand touched Song Huihui
's vulva. He immediately lifted her skirt, then ripped off her panties, admiring her
white, hairless, plump, and prominent labia, like a steamed bun, or a lotus flower.
After slowly and carefully observing them, he suddenly tried to suck, lick, and devour her beautiful
labia…

She felt incredibly comfortable down there, her whole body aroused.

Suddenly… her soft clitoris was being bitten, pinched by fingers, and constantly kissed, licked, and
sucked, the nectar flowing from her clitoris being drawn out. He Qizhang's breath constantly stimulated that area; it felt so good!

'Ah… harder… harder…'

the famous TV host Song Huihui cried out in her heart, her body twisting
wildly ."

He Qizhang's attacks grew increasingly fierce. Overwhelmed with excitement, Song Huihui blurted out, "
Quick!...Come on up!..." Song Huihui hadn't felt this happy in a long time!

He Qizhang relaxed slightly, but Song Huihui's excitement hadn't subsided. Looking at him, yes, his energy was still
so high!

"Let me see again!..." he said, reaching out to spread Song Huihui's thighs. "So sexy!...
So beautiful...This shape is so nice!"

Then he stuck out his tongue and licked down her vulva, the animalistic "tsk...tsk..." sounds
stimulating her. She arched her body, crying out, "Oh! Ah...So comfortable...Oh! Ha!
...So pleasurable!"

reaching another climax.

At this moment, He Qizhang was about to enter, but their mutual display didn't stop. After fully penetrating, he
leaned back sharply, his hands supporting him behind him. Song Huihui also raised her upper body, supporting herself with her hands
behind her .

He Qizhang loved this position for his up-and-down movements, watching his penis
go in and out of Song Huihui's vagina.

Song Huihui would rotate her waist in response, making his penis move like a conductor's baton. He Qizhang would match her
movements, moving up and down while simultaneously performing counter-rotating thrusting motions.

After they had fully enjoyed this position, they would switch to a riding position with her on top, allowing He Qizhang
to see where he was going in and out. Sometimes Song Huihui would lean back, letting He Qizhang see the famous TV
presenter's swaying breasts.

"I want to see your ass!" he would sometimes demand.

Song Huihui would then obediently turn around and lie down, and He Qizhang would contentedly stroke her waist.
He touched Song Huihui's buttocks.

Their climax was the act of yielding and retreating. If they could practice coordinating, reaching
their level wouldn't be difficult.

When He Qizhang thrust in forcefully, Song Huihui would quickly retreat a little, but immediately push back. When
He Qizhang withdrew, Song Huihui would also pull back a little, then thrust forward sharply, thus comfortably and skillfully coordinating
the movements...

Afterwards, the famous TV host Song Huiyi hugged He Qizhang. She happily said, "You're really a Song Jiang." He Qizhang laughed loudly, "Song Jiang is Song Jiang, but Song Jiang also angrily killed Yan Pochuo!"

He Qizhang suddenly touched Song Huiyi's slender neck with both hands. "You... what are you going to do..." He Qizhang grabbed the beautiful Song Huihui by the neck and pushed her down onto the marble floor. He tore off his tie and tied Song Huiyi's hands behind her back. His voice became urgent. "Let's do something exciting today!" He Qizhang got up, pulled out his belt, and a strange light flashed in his eyes. The famous TV host, Song Huihui, flinched in fear. "Epaulettes! Qizhang… what are you doing!" He Qizhang began whipping Song Huihui's buttocks with a belt. The woman's rolling body satisfied his perverse sexuality, even his lust for power. At this moment, Jiao Pengyuan's voice came from the bathroom, interrupting her reverie. "Huihui, scrub my back." The famous TV host, Song Huihui, grabbed a towel and went into the bathroom… The municipal party secretary and central committee member, Jiao Pengyuan, gently brushed Song Huihui's hair aside, then reached down to her chest and fondled her breasts. While Song Huihui's breasts weren't enormous, they were firm enough. They felt soft , quite satisfying. Jiao Pengyuan whispered to the beautiful Song Huihui, "Let's go play on the bed!" The famous TV host, Song Huihui, nodded with Jiao Pengyuan's penis in her mouth, then spat it out , allowing Jiao Pengyuan, the Party Secretary and Central Committee member, to carry her to the room. They lay down on the bed together. The famous TV host, Song Huihui, then climbed on top of Jiao Pengyuan and began to suck on his penis. Jiao Pengyuan moved her body closer, letting her two pink legs straddle his head. However, when Jiao Pengyuan put his tongue into her vulva, the beautiful Song Huihui flinched and squeezed her legs together. Jiao Pengyuan then turned to caressing her feet. When Jiao Pengyuan licked the soles of her feet, she recoiled from the ticklishness. Jiao Pengyuan got up, rolled over, and straddled Song Huihui, first shoving his thick, hard penis into her mouth, then spreading her legs apart with his hands. Then he kissed the smooth vulva of the beautiful Song Huihui. Song Huihui's thighs were held down by Jiao Pengyuan, preventing her from moving, and her mouth was stuffed with his penis , so she could only hum through her nose. Jiao Pengyuan continued to tease Song Huihui's clitoris with his tongue, and Song Huihui's whole body trembled with the movement of his tongue. Later, she couldn't hold back any longer and hurriedly spat out Jiao Pengyuan's penis, crying out, "I can't take it anymore! You 're trying to kill me! You're making me so tight, I'll bite you! Hurry up and put there!" Jiao Pengyuan, the municipal party secretary and central committee member, couldn't bear to keep the famous TV host Song Huihui in suspense, so he quickly turned around and inserted his thick, hard penis into Song Huihui's vagina. After being satisfied, Song Huihui tightly embraced Jiao Pengyuan's body. Jiao Pengyuan, thrust his hard penis left and right inside Song Huihui's moist vagina. Song Huihui's seductive moans further fueled his lust. His penis continued to move in and out of her tight vagina, and Song Huihui's vaginal fluids gushed out in waves, soaking a large patch of Jiao Pengyuan's pubic hair. After a while, they changed positions. Jiao Pengyuan had Song Huihui lie on the edge of the bed, then grabbed her two delicate white feet and lifted them high, before bringing his thick, hard penis towards her vulva. Song Huihui hurriedly reached out to hold Jiao Pengyuan's penis, pressing the glans against her vaginal opening. With a little force, Jiao Pengyuan's hard penis was completely inside Song Huihui's body. The Party Secretary and Central Committee member Jiao Pengyuan continued to thrust his penis in and out of Song Huihui's smooth and lovely vulva , while Song Huihui's vagina contracted and relaxed, sucking on Jiao Pengyuan's penis. After a while, Song Huihui's vagina secreted a lot of lubrication, making their intercourse even more lubricated and smooth. The Party Secretary and Central Committee member Jiao Pengyuan laughed and said, "Huihui, your vulva is like a juicy peach." Song Huihui also laughed and said, "Your thing is like a delicious banana. One day I'm going to eat it up, let's see if you're scared!" The Party Secretary and Central Committee member Jiao Pengyuan also laughed and said, "I'm not scared! Because you won't be as stupid as killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. Although we're not husband and wife, you know that as long as you like, I'll give it to you anytime. So you only want a living one." Song Huihui didn't answer, but hugged the Party Secretary and Central Committee member Jiao Pengyuan's body tightly and took a deep breath , her vulva contracting and squeezing Jiao Pengyuan comfortably. Jiao Pengyuan immediately responded with a series of rapid thrusts . Song Huihui continued to tighten her vagina, intensifying the pleasure of their intercourse, but finally, a large amount of vaginal fluid gushed out again. Then, her limbs turned cold, and she said in a trembling voice, "You're really something! You're making me feel so good!" Jiao Pengyuan, the municipal party secretary and member of the Central Committee, paused his thrusting, leaving his thick, hard penis inside the famous TV host Song Huihui's vagina, then picked her up and laid her on her side on the bed. Song Huihui rested her head on Jiao Pengyuan's arm, her tender white breasts pressed against his chest, her calves wrapped around his waist. Jiao Pengyuan, the municipal party secretary and member of the Central Committee, put his hand to the entrance of her vagina, which was filled with his large penis , and said , "Huihui, you're so bald here, so cute!" The famous TV host Song Huihui said, "What's so good about not having hair?"

My husband sometimes calls me a "white tiger."

"Your husband is old-fashioned and doesn't appreciate beauty," said Jiao Pengyuan, the Party Secretary and Central Committee member. "A hairless
vulva is much more fun! Not only is it white, plump, and beautiful,
but it's also incredibly wonderful and comfortable to lick and caress with your tongue—a rare and precious beauty!"

"My husband has never kissed my genitals, and I've never put his penis in my mouth. He's always so serious
when , and I just go through the motions. It's not as fun as playing with you."

Song Huihui nestled shyly in his arms and said, "Your penis is thicker, longer, and harder than his. I make
you feel very satisfied; I've never experienced this kind of pleasure with him."

Jiao Pengyuan, the Party Secretary and Central Committee member, fondled the firm breasts of the famous TV host Song Huihui
and said , "Although I've been with many women, I feel most happy and emotionally connected with you." "
...

The portrait of He Qizhang, his face clouded with sorrow and framed in black glasses, seemed to tell a story of grievance.

He Kedai stared blankly at his father's portrait. Since his father's death, the thirty-year-old had suddenly aged considerably, his
hair turning white.

The cruel reality told him that with his father's mysterious death, he had lost not only his father, but more
importantly the right to share his father's power. He was unwilling to be ostracized; he wanted to find out
the cause of his father's death and reclaim his dignity. He picked up the phone and called a friend at the city bureau.

"What did Tao Tieliang say? He said he didn't know? He's keeping us in suspense? When I met him, he had just learned
to catch . He said the bullet casing was what caliber? He doesn't know? He must know about big and small guns..."

He Qizhang's wife, her face ashen, clearly on the verge of a mental breakdown.

"Kedai, I have a fever, go with Mom to the hospital."

He Kedai hurriedly ended the call: "You have to find out for me, buddy, please." He hung up the phone,
"Mom, what's wrong?" He touched his mother's forehead. "It's really hot.
We'll be right there. Wait..." He dialed the phone again. "A-Si, hurry to the hospital and get an appointment for the old lady, the high-ranking official's clinic. We'll be there soon."

Xiu Xiangzhen sat on the sofa in pain and said, "Ke Dai, what were you talking about guns again?"

"Mom, don't worry about that. Chen Hu found another bullet casing."

"What? He found the bullet that killed your father?" Xiu Xiangzhen cried.

"We don't know yet. Mom, don't cry so much. We have to live well, so people won't laugh at us!"

Seven

computer boxes were displayed on the glass counter. Manager Wu greeted
Tian Congying .

"So Miss Tian is a college student. What's your major?"

"I'm studying software."

Manager Wu patted the computer box and said, "So you're studying computer science. This computer will be
very useful to you."

Tian Congying blushed with excitement. "I've always wanted to buy a computer." "

This is a godsend! We've got the car ready to take it to you."

"Thank you so much! I'll never forget the Capital Horizon Hotel in my life."

Manager Wu said with a hint of mystery, "Oh, there's one more thing I need to trouble you with, Miss Tian. Our hotel president, Mr.
Jiao Dongfang , would like to meet the lucky winner of the grand prize. Would you do me the honor?"

"Of course! I can thank him in person."

"President Jiao is waiting for you over there. I'll take you there." In

the quiet ballroom, soft classical court music filled the air.

A four-person chamber orchestra played attentively on one side.

Tian Congying sat opposite Jiao Dongfang. She seemed a little uneasy, but her demeanor was dignified, and her brows exuded a refined elegance.
It was this quality that impressed Jiao Dongfang.

"Thank you, President Jiao. I never expected the Capital Horizon Hotel to give me such good luck. This computer
might be a turning point in my life. Thank you so much!"

Jiao Dongfang politely asked, "May I smoke?"

Tian Congying said curiously, "This is your hotel. Why do you need to ask for other people's permission?" "

It's different when there's a lady with you. Excuse me, let me light a cigarette."

"Mr. Jiao, how can a poor female college student like me thank your restaurant?"

Jiao Dongfang exhaled a puff of smoke. "You mean the computer? That's your good luck. When I was a kid, I got beaten up for
wanting a book..."

Tian Congying listened curiously.

"Let's not talk about unpleasant things. A fine sword is given to a martyr, and a beautiful woman is given to a beauty. Now, things are in their proper place, and people are using
their talents to the fullest . If you really want to express your gratitude, after you graduate, I welcome you to the Capital Horizon Hotel
. Modern management cannot do without computer engineers."

"Thank you!"

Jiao Dongfang stood up. "Such beautiful music, Miss Tian, may I ask you to dance?"

Tian Congying said nervously, "Me? I'm not very good at it."

"I'm not good at it either, please."

Jiao Dongfang and Tian Congying slowly danced to the rhythm of the music.

Jiao Dongfang was very gentlemanly, maintaining a certain distance from Tian Congying.

Tian Congying said, "This music is melancholic, but not hopeless." "

Jiao Dongfang was overjoyed. "This time we've found common ground: sadness, but not despair. Your taste
in music is excellent."

The music was soft, and the candlelight flickered.

Sally entered the small ballroom and walked to Jiao Dongfang's side.

Sally glanced at Tian Congying and said, "Mr. Jiao, please sign these documents."

Tian Congying tactfully stepped aside.

"I'm sorry to have disturbed you, I'll take my leave."

Jiao Dongfang tried to persuade her to stay, saying, "Please sit for a while."

Jiao Dongfang signed the documents Sally offered.

Sally seemed determined to compete with the strange woman who had suddenly entered Jiao Dongfang's life and was unwilling
to leave . "The banquet you're hosting for the Japanese at noon is ready. Here's the menu, please take a look."

Jiao Dongfang looked at the menu and handed it to Sally.

"Okay. Is there anything else?"

"No, I'm sorry."

After Sally reluctantly left, Jiao Dongfang and Tian Congying danced softly again.

Sally glanced back, not without jealousy.

"Miss Tian, are you familiar with my restaurant?" "

Yesterday was my first time here. Such a luxurious hotel, how could we poor students dare to come in?"

"Alright, I'll show you around. Perhaps your turning point in life begins on the horizon."

Tian Congying smiled bitterly and said, "The horizon? You can see it, but you'll never reach it. The main road is always
ahead of you; it's always just out of reach."

Jiao Dongfang found her understanding quite endearing.

"Perhaps, that's life. Miss Tian, what do you think is most important in life?"

"What do you think?"

"Self-respect, self-love, self-reliance, don't you agree?"

"That's what I think too."

Jiao Dongfang's mind flashed back to the tycoon who had taken advantage of this frail female college student.

"But to achieve it is not easy. Life is full of temptations, so one must have self-control
and not let immediate gains shake one's fundamental principles. I'm sorry, I'm repeating myself again, being a know-it-all. I'm sorry."

Tian Congying thought of her loss of virginity, lowered her head, and remained silent, moving her dance steps silently.

... Jiao Pengyuan, the Party Secretary of

the Eighth

Municipal Committee and a member of the Central Committee, and Hao Xiangshou admired the exotic flowers and trees illuminated by sunlight in the glass corridor.

Hao Xiangshou stood before the flowering Lamyia, deliberately stirring the nearly broken heartstrings of his former superior. "Even the best flowers
need green leaves to set them off. Secretary Jiao, it's not easy being a supporting leaf for you."

Jiao Pengyuan, the municipal party secretary and member of the Central Committee, was watering the Lamyia; his leisure time was tending to plants.

"Xiangshou, your words sound profound, even ordinary ones. Look, even the
Lamyia can't bloom, but this one I'm tending has. Isn't that a miracle?"

"How many Lamyias in the world are fortunate enough to be personally watered by such a high-ranking person? Would it dare not bloom? I
don't mean anything by it, I'm just saying that green leaves should play a supporting role, but not be too ostentatious or overshadow the main plant.
Some people probably haven't done this well."

Jiao Pengyuan, the municipal party secretary and member of the Central Committee, listened attentively.

“Mayor Lin Guanghan, I don’t know if he sees himself as the flower or the green leaf? Right now, the municipal committee
should be more closely united around you, but Mayor Lin seems to be having second thoughts!”

“I know.”

“Secretary Jiao, there’s another important matter I’d like to discuss, but I don’t know if I should.”

“You’ve been my secretary for four years, don’t you know my temperament?”

“Then I’ll speak.”

“Go ahead, you’ve risen in rank, and you’ve become more cunning.”

“If we continue investigating He Qizhang’s death, it might cause many problems. Li Haoyi’s case isn’t in our hands, and
it’s hard to predict how it will develop. Chen Hu has a poor sense of organization and doesn’t listen to orders. Zhou Senlin might not be able to
control . We need to prevent collateral damage. Disrupting things will affect
the stability and unity of our city.”

Jiao Pengyuan pondered for a moment, “What are your thoughts?”

"The key is to firmly control the direction of the investigation into He Qizhang's death in your hands, Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and member of the Central Committee .
No deviations are allowed. The case's progress must be under your supervision. The Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Public Security Bureau must
stipulate several rules: anyone who makes decisions on their own is disregarding Party discipline and the law. Secretary Jiao, do you understand what I mean
?"

Jiao Pengyuan paced thoughtfully. "Xiangshou, what a pity. It would have been so much better if you had always been my secretary."

Hao Xiangshou reverently helped Jiao Pengyuan sit down in the rattan chair. "I will always be your secretary."

Jiao

Pengyuan paced back and forth in his office; he had already devised a plan and now it was time to put it into practice. Hao Xiangshou and
Zhou Senlin sat on the sofa, expressionless.

Jiao Pengyuan finally spoke, "The Municipal Party Committee has decided to establish a three-person group, fully responsible for
investigating the cause of Vice Mayor He's death. All investigations related to this case will be subject to the vertical leadership of this three-person group. I will be
the group leader , Hao Xiangshou will represent the Municipal Party Committee in the three-person group, and Zhou Senlin will represent the public security, procuratorate, and courts in the three-person group."

Hao Xiangshou possessed a solemn sense of being appointed to a critical mission.

Zhou Senlin raised an eyebrow, but remained expressionless.

Jiao Pengyuan returned to the Japanese pneumatic swivel chair his son had given him and sat down. "The conclusion regarding Vice Mayor He's suicide has been reached.
Therefore, the investigation should only address the cause of Vice Mayor He's suicide. Nothing else needs to be investigated. Anyone who intentionally muddies the waters, escalates
the situation, or causes adverse reactions is disregarding Party discipline and national laws and will be investigated and punished. All relevant case files must be sent to
me for review. Old Zhou, do you understand?"

Zhou Senlin replied without hesitation, "Understood, I will comply without hesitation." "

At

dawn, the Armed Police National Flag Guard marched with firm and powerful steps onto the Jinshui Bridge. From the perspective of the onlookers,
their figures grew from nothing to a large size.

This was the morning flag-raising ceremony. Nearly a thousand people watched this magnificent scene with pride and reverence.
It became the most beautiful sight in Beijing.

Fang Hao watched the National Flag Guard walk towards the flagpole. Beside him was a group of middle-aged and elderly cadres, his
classmates from the Central Party School.

The soldiers waved the flag sharply, and the national flag, carrying the people's dream of a strong nation, slowly rose. Fang Hao's

phone rang, and he answered it.

"This is Fang Hao, please speak louder."

Zhou Senlin's voice came through the phone: "This is Senlin. I'm using a public phone, it's safer this way.
The situation is a bit complicated."

"Go ahead."

"Secretary Jiao has formed a three-person team, led by Secretary Jiao, with Hao Xiangshou and me participating, to be fully responsible for the investigation
of He Qizhang and related cases. Last night, Secretary Jiao specifically instructed that the scope of the investigation must not be expanded. He
also wants to personally review the case files."

"If the frontal approach doesn't work, then we'll try the side." " I'll try to start with Li Haoyi's case and seek help from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. You can report
some things to Vice Mayor Li; he's a member of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection."

"Secretary Fang, I understand what you mean. When can you return from the Central Party School?"

"I can't return for now. Let's keep in touch."

After making the call at the public phone, Zhou Senlin returned to his office at the Anti-Corruption Bureau. He opened the filing cabinet, took out several particularly
important files, pulled out a few pages and put them into another file.

He then locked the files in the safe; he didn't want the three-person team to see them. He put the remaining files in
his briefcase and left the office. He got into his Audi and drove towards the Municipal Party Committee.

Zhou Senlin knocked on Secretary Jiao's office door, and a voice came from inside: "Come in."

Hao Xiangshou was sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper.

"Director Hao, hello. Secretary Jiao isn't here?

" Hao Xiangshou seemed to be the host. "Director Zhou, please sit down. Some comrades from the Central Committee came, and Secretary Jiao
went to accompany them. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Secretary Jiao wanted the files on the investigation into He Qizhang's death; I brought them."

"You're really efficient! Good, good, Secretary Jiao will be very happy. I'll accept it for him. Is that alright
?"

"Of course, you're a member of the three-person team, you have the right to review the files."

Zhou Senlin took out three files and placed them on the table.

Hao Xiangshou flipped through them and said, "Is it all here?"

"It's all here, not a single page is missing. Director Hao, please complete the receipt formalities. Please
sign in the recipient section."

After signing, Hao Xiangshou said, "Director Zhou, you have strong subordinates, so Chen Hu is not easy to control, is he?
This person doesn't have a strong sense of organization, acts impulsively, and doesn't ask for instructions or report. But if he really causes some trouble,
it won't be easy for you, as the director, to explain yourself, will it?"

"What does Director Hao mean?" "

Don't misunderstand, Chen Hu is your subordinate. I didn't say you wanted to transfer his work, but transfers are very
common . I don't want to interfere in the internal affairs of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, right? Hahahaha. What does Chen Hu
do?"

“He was in the hospital after the accident, and he was seriously injured this time. Chen Hu is lucky to be alive, but it’s a pity Comrade Tao Suling died.
She was only in her twenties and not even married yet.”

Hao Xiangshou lit a cigarette and said, “Tao Suling’s death should also be attributed to Chen Hu. Old Zhou, Chen Hu’s
mistake was very serious in nature, consequences, and negative impact. The Party manages cadres,
the Party manages cadres. If the Party doesn’t manage cadres, then it’s your problem as his superior. Go back and get a
proposal The three-person group needs to have a special discussion on Chen Hu’s problem.”

Leaving Hao Xiangshou, Zhou Senlin felt heavy-hearted. Was he forcing me to make an example of Chen Hu? In the special care ward of

the Eleventh Hospital, Chen Hu, who had basically recovered, was doing physical training on his own initiative. He was doing push-ups on the floor. The patient in the next bed was also a prosecutor. He was leaning against the headboard counting the number of repetitions. “Fifty-six, fifty-seven, fifty-eight…” Chen Hu’s hands trembled, and it was very difficult for him to push up. “Fifty-nine, Chen Hu, don’t push yourself too hard, the nurses will scold you.” Chen Hu continued to push. "Keep counting. If you can do a hundred, I'll be discharged." "Sixty-two, sixty-three." A young nurse came in and called out, "Chen Hu, you dare break hospital rules!" Chen Hu had to stop. "Hey, move around a bit." "Your movement will cost me my bonus! Wash your hands!" "Okay, sorry." Chen Hu went to the sink by the window to wash his hands. The nurse handed him a towel and said, "Chen Hu, someone insisted on coming in to see you. I told him he couldn't come in outside visiting hours, but he said there was an emergency." Chen Hu asked warily, "Who is it?" "He said his name is Zhao Wuzhou, and he has a fiery temper." "Him?" Chen Hu picked up a cigarette, held it to his nose, and thought, how did he know I was here? "Please let him in." After the nurse left, the patient asked with concern, "Your friend?" "Last year, I was on leave to work on a criminal case at the procuratorate. He's the son of a prisoner I handled. I had contact with him during the investigation; his father was sentenced to death." "Won't something happen? We prosecutors have to be prepared for retaliation at any time." "I don't know what he wants from me... I haven't seen him since his father was executed." Zhao Wuzhou, a burly man in his thirties with thick eyebrows and large eyes, strode in, unbuttoned his trench coat, and reached into his pocket. The patient, thinking the man was going to pull out a gun, exclaimed nervously, "What are you going to do?" Chapter Five: High-mindedness, Indignation, Injury, Racecourse, Incidental Damage, Death. Zhao Wuzhou's hand remained still in his pocket. He said disdainfully, "Scared? You guys have moments of fear too. Did you think I'd pull out a gun?" He pulled out a delicate little wreath. “I don’t have a gun. I’ve come to offer flowers to Prosecutor Chen Hu. I originally thought I could make it to your memorial service, so I prepared a wreath. I didn’t expect you to be so lucky. I had no use for the wreath, so I brought it to you. ” The patient was pale with anger. He pointed at Zhao Wuzhou and said, “You’re too arrogant! Did you tamper ?” Zhao Wuzhou was not intimidated at all, and smiled. Chen Hu took the wreath and placed it on the bedside table, his expression calm. He even liked this malicious joke. “Thank you. It’s a rare opportunity in life to see someone offer a wreath. I didn’t need it this time, but I’ll save it for next time . Please sit down, Mr. Zhao Wuzhou.” Chen Hu pulled over a chair. Zhao Wuzhou sat down calmly and said in a provocative tone, “Prosecutor Chen, do you know what day it is today?” The patient picked up the phone on another bedside table. Zhao Wuzhou glanced at it and said, “Want to call the police? Go ahead.” Chen Hu stopped the patient’s hand. “Let’s hear what Mr. Zhao Wuzhou has to say. What day do you say it is today?” “Today marks the one-year anniversary of my father being sent to the guillotine by you, so I wanted to talk to you. While others celebrate birthdays , I celebrate mine. ” Chen Hu fiddled with a small wreath. “Your father committed intentional homicide. The evidence is conclusive, and he confessed without hesitation. You should remember that he waived his right to appeal.” “Yes! My father committed manslaughter. As for why you insist it was intentional homicide, you should know better than anyone else.” “Before your father was executed, I went to the prison and talked to him for two hours. I had a good impression of him.” “But you still had him executed.” Chen Hu least wanted to recall the Zhao Taiji case. He could picture the desolate expression of the old . Zhao Taiji quietly smoked the cigarette Chen Hu had lit for him and said slowly, “Prosecutor Chen, thank you for coming to see me off. You are the last person I will talk to while I am still alive. We have had a pleasant working relationship these past few days, have n’t we?” “Yes, your attitude was quite honest. I specifically mentioned this in the indictment, and you heard that too .” Today's outcome is something you should have expected. Do you have any further requests? " Tao Yuanming said, 'Where does one go after death? One's body rests with the mountains.' I've already instructed my son to send you a copy when my work is published; please feel free to offer your feedback. I'm truly sorry for causing the government so much trouble."

Chen Hu's eyes reddened, and he struggled to hold back his tears.

The bailiffs took the prisoner away.

Chen Hu remained lost in thought for a long time in the empty cell.

The creaking of the prisoner's shackles lingered in his ears. Today, he was facing his own son.

Zhao Wuzhou sighed, "My father was such an honest man. He never argued with anyone, never even
raised his voice..."

Chen Hu suddenly remembered something. "Zhao Wuzhou, you've come at the right time. You reminded me of something. When we investigated
your father, he said he had complained to Vice Mayor He Qizhang. Did you know about that?"

"Hmph, I heard He Qizhang committed suicide. That man should have died long ago. The 'Intellectuals' Building' project was approved by him
; it was actually a cover for corruption under the guise of caring for intellectuals. My father did go to him."

The Zhao family of six squeezed into a ten-square-meter bungalow.

Outside, it was raining heavily. The father, hunched over, was writing an article at a table.

His daughter-in-law and grandson were catching water leaking from the roof with basins.

Water dripped into the basin, but the father remained focused on his manuscript. Recalling

the past brought tears to Zhao Wuzhou's eyes.

"He was honest to the point of being useless. Besides writing and reading, he knew nothing. His work unit, under the guise of the central government's
care for intellectuals, built a 6,000-square-meter apartment building for senior intellectuals, with hot water available 24 hours a day.
After the housing allocation list was announced, not a single intellectual got a place; it was all taken by bureau-level and department-level officials! My father tried to reason with
the leaders , but it was useless. He appealed, but it was useless. Later, he finally discovered that the leaders had altered a State Council document, piecing together
a fake document and deleting the two provisions for preferential treatment of intellectuals! He went to see Vice Mayor He."

He Qizhang sat on the sofa reading documents, not looking up for a long time.

Zhao Taiji stood before He Qizhang, holding a document.

"You are Zhao Taiji?"

"Yes, I am." "

Please sit down. Is your name the 'Taiji' of Tai Chi?"

"Yes, those two characters."

"The name is interesting. Tai Chi emphasizes the slow, steady, and unhurried nature of a steamed bun. You
've gone to so many departments to complain about the house; aren't you a bit too hasty?"

Zhao Taiji retorted. "Tai Chi is soft yet strong; its power originates from the heart and is unstoppable. Vice Mayor He,
I'm not taking up your precious time to discuss my name. You are the approver of the 'Elderly Building.' I hope to put our
concern for intellectuals into practice. Please take a moment from your busy schedule to look into this matter. Our unit's leaders have altered central government documents
to use the house for personal gain."

He Qizhang interrupted rudely, "Alright, I understand the situation. Your complaint to the central government has been
forwarded to the municipal government. Go back and wait for news. You're a veteran intellectual who has followed the Party your whole life. I hope you
'll consider the overall situation and express your opinions according to procedure." "Don't do that kind of networking, petitioning, or Cultural Revolution stuff. Let's just leave it at that
."

Zhao Wuzhou finally burst into tears. "After my father went to see He Qizhang, the head of the housing management department at his workplace invited
him for drinks. My father drank too much; he doesn't usually drink. The department head first berated my father for being ungrateful, and the argument escalated
. My father grabbed a bottle and hit the department head. Who knew that guy couldn't take a beating? One bottle killed him
. He didn't run away; he went to the police station to turn himself in. You promised me you'd try to get leniency, but you still
sent his old man to the guillotine. What a pity, he had so much knowledge; he had two books he hadn't finished writing."

Chen Hu said with a sense of loss, "What you said is basically true."

Hearing Zhao Wuzhou's tearful account, the patient asked sadly, "And then?"

“Once a person dies, what’s the end of it? You only care about solving cases, arresting people, conducting trials, and completing your tasks.
You don’t care about what happens afterward, and you can’t care anyway. My father didn’t die in vain. His workplace had a murder, and fearing things would escalate
, they allocated a building unit to intellectuals. But most of the intellectuals who were supposed to get a unit
did n’t move in. Do you know, the day my father was executed, many intellectuals cried. Today,
the people who went to visit my father’s grave filled a whole bus, but I didn’t go. I was afraid they would
be upset to see me.”

The burly man’s tears streamed down his face.

The patient took out a tissue from his pocket and handed it to Zhao Wuzhou, saying, “Don’t be sad.
Did your family get a unit afterward?”

Zhao Wuzhou wiped away his tears.

“It’s even more impossible now. I went to their workplace leaders, and they said, ‘Your father has already been executed, and he
was dismissed from his job before the execution. You still want a unit? What a joke!’”

Chen Hu didn’t know how to comfort the burly man, so he just put his hand on his shoulder and pressed it firmly.

"Prosecutor Chen, I didn't come here to fight you. You're an officer in the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Although you only
target small-time corrupt officials, having such an organization still makes those corrupt bureaucrats more restrained. Otherwise, why would they
have targeted you? I'm here today to fulfill my father's wish. Before he died, he instructed me
to give you a copy of his book. I brought it; please accept it."

Zhao Wuzhou stood up and handed over a book with both hands. Chen Hu accepted it with both hands.

Chen Hu felt as if he were holding the soul of a death row inmate.

"(The Origin of the Hundred Family Surnames), it must be very interesting. Thank you, Comrade Wuzhou. Thank you, Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Wuzhou opened the cover and took out a piece of paper tucked inside.

"This is what my father wrote before his execution, his signature. He said it was a pity he couldn't write it on the title page himself."

Chen Hu took the paper and examined it closely. "

The people are the foundation of the nation; the foundation ensures national peace. Without eliminating corruption, the country will never be at peace. "

Prosecutor Chen Hu pointed this out

to Zhao Taiji. Before leaving,

Zhao Wuzhou buttoned up his trench coat. "Prosecutor, I'm leaving. Take this wreath with me."

"No, I'll keep the wreath. It's your encouragement; you never know when you might need it."

Zhao Wuzhou turned and walked away with firm steps.

The atmosphere in the ward was heavy.

Chen Hu flipped through the pages of his book, saying, "This is called 'officials forcing the people to rebel.' The people support the foundation of the state; when the foundation is firm, the state is at peace. Without eliminating corruption, the country
will never have peace. Well said."

The patient said, "Zhao Wuzhou said we only swat flies, not tigers; I'm so ashamed I don't know where to put my face."

Chen Hu respectfully placed the book beside his pillow. "But anyway, my face is disfigured. And you know what?
Since I got disfigured, I've never blushed. With a disfigured face, what do I have to fear from what people say?"

"You really know how to comfort yourself."

"What else can we do? We're just nobody!"

Li Shangmin appeared at the door carrying a plastic bag.

Chen Hu quickly greeted him, "Vice Mayor Li? I really didn't expect you to come!"

Li Shangmin patted Chen Hu's shoulders with both hands.

The patient pulled over a chair, "Vice Mayor Cai, please sit down.

" "Thank you. Chen Hu, I brought you some dates to help replenish your blood."

"Thank you, you're like an older brother. Vice Mayor Li, is the outer ring road project progressing smoothly?"

"It's alright, but not entirely satisfactory. Due to insufficient funding, it will soon be at a standstill, and we
've already slowed down."

"Tight funding?"

"..." Li Shangmin hesitated.

The patient, not wanting to interrupt their conversation, stood up and said, "Vice Mayor Li, you two talk, I'm going for a walk."

"Look, I've caused you inconvenience."

The patient smiled and left.

"There's still 100 million yuan in funding that hasn't arrived, but that 100 million was prepared last year. I don't know why, but that
100 million suddenly disappeared. Isn't that strange?" " I suspect it's been misappropriated, but I have no clue where to start. I
specifically went to the Finance Bureau chief to inquire, but he was vague and said to ask Vice Mayor He if I wanted to know. He Qizhang committed suicide
, where am I supposed to find him?"

Chen Hu subconsciously wrote the words "one hundred million" on the paper.

"Interesting."

"Construction is about to stop, and you still say it's interesting."

"Interesting, there are always problems in our line of work."

Li Shangmin spread his hands, "We're short of money, and the budget is even tighter due to the highway redesign. I really don't know
what some people are thinking."

"If it weren't a secret, I'd love to hear you explain in more detail."

"You're from the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and you've also opened an investigation into He Qizhang, so I think
it . The central government has long had documents prohibiting the construction of luxury villas, but the central government's instructions
seem to have little effect here. Not only do they insist on building them, but they also want to occupy land designated for the highway." "

That was two years ago.

He Qizhang, Li Shangmin, Qian Zhong, and Jiao Dongfang were talking at the outer ring road construction site.

He Qizhang was in high spirits. "Old Li, I need to discuss something with you. A flyover is going to be built on this land, right?"

"Yes, right here right here."

He Qizhang waved his arm. "We have a new idea. Secretary Jiao is advocating a new approach, wanting to
build a luxury villa area here. Foreign investors have their eyes on this auspicious location, saying it's on a dragon vein, and they're willing to invest heavily.
Can you move the flyover somewhere else?"

Yi Dongfang said imperiously, "The villas benefit from the highway's convenient transportation, and the highway benefits from the villas
' scenery; they complement each other, becoming a pearl on a necklace."

Qian Zhong chimed in, "I can already see the beautiful scenery."

Li Shangmin's face hardened. "Such a major change not only requires a new survey and redesign, but also occupies more
arable land, and the investment will increase significantly." "Besides, the central government has repeatedly instructed against further expanding
the scale of villa construction. This idea is inappropriate, isn't it?"

He Qizhang said unequivocally, "The plan has already been decided, and Secretary Jiao knows about it. In this whole game,
how each piece moves is still up to Secretary Jiao."

Cai Shangmin refused to back down, "Part of the funding for the highway comes from a World Bank loan to our country, and
that loan was allocated by the central government. How can our local government arbitrarily change it?
What will the World Bank think of our change in the use of the loan? This is a huge issue and should be seriously discussed collectively at a municipal government office meeting.
I'm afraid we'll have to consult the central government."

Qian Zhong said with a smile, "Isn't this precisely to discuss this with you?"

“Have you even designed the blueprints for the villa? No, I can’t accept this plan.”

Jiao Dongfang affectionately hugged Li Shangmin’s shoulder. “Uncle Li, I admire your principles, but this
is a market economy. The rule of a market economy is that everything is guided by an invisible hand,
driven by profit. Foreign investors have their eyes on this place and are willing to invest. Turning them away is unwise, isn’t it?”

Cai Shangmin pushed Jiao Dongfang’s hand away unhappily. “The outer ring road is a major project that the municipal party committee and government discussed collectively
. Major changes should be discussed at the meeting. This isn’t the Capital Horizon Hotel.”

Qian Zhong was embarrassed and quietly pulled the hand of the angry Jiao Dongfang.

Qian Zhong smoothed things over, "Vice Mayor Nong, Vice Mayor Li, as the foreign investor's representative for the villas,
it's understandable that Dongfang would like to share his views. Besides, this is currently under collective discussion."

"What's the scientific basis for your design changes? The highway has been forced to reroute, and there's a river ahead. What are we going to do?"

He Qizhang concluded, "That's simple: build roads through mountains and bridges over rivers. Build a bridge across
the river , and it'll add another scenic spot."

"Easier said than done! Building a bridge across the river, plus the archway, that's a huge sum of money!"

"Don't worry about the money. You make a budget, and I, the God of Wealth, will allocate the funds."

"I suggest we convene a Standing Committee meeting."

Chen Hu, who had been taking notes in his notebook, paused and asked, "And then what happened?"

"The result was that Secretary Jiao made the final decision: the highway was rerouted by 16 kilometers, the overpass was relocated,
2,500 , and two villages were demolished. The villas were built, but very few were actually sold;
most are vacant. Only one-fifth of the foreign investors' money was in place, and
some of . I went to the villa area yesterday, and some were already damaged. What a waste!"

Chen Hu said with a wry smile, "If only they were this enthusiastic about the housing of ordinary people."

Li Shangmin took a sip of water and continued, "The day before yesterday, I went to the villa area again. Are you interested in knowing about it
?"

"Of course I'm interested, it's huge!"

As soon as Li Shangmin's car entered the villa area, Zhang Xiancheng came up to greet him.

"Vice Mayor Li, I'm Zhang Xiancheng from the property management company. I'll show you around."

"Isn't it too much trouble for you?"

"No trouble at all. I always accompany the leaders when they come."

Li Shangmin looked at the rows of villas and sighed, "This should have been an overpass."

"Now it's become villas."

Zhang Xiancheng accompanied Li Shangmin on the tour.

"Why are so many buildings empty?"

"I can't believe it. Where do all these rich people come from? Working-class people can't afford them. Unoccupied houses are hard
to manage . Many of the water pipes are rusted, and some are even leaking. If this continues, the whole place will be ruined. We're
having a hard time even managing them."

“How much capital must be tied up here?”

“That’s true.”

Li Shangmin pointed to a European-style villa and said, “This one is quite well preserved.”

“This belongs to Vice Mayor He. He stayed here for a few days. The one behind that belongs to Qian Zhong, and the one after that belongs to Hao Xiangshou
.”

Li Shangmin felt a tightness in his chest. “Hmph, to hold a Standing Committee meeting here, just open the window and call out, and everyone will
be there.”

“Yes, yes, probably for the convenience of the leaders.”

“Can I go into Vice Mayor He’s villa?”

Zhang Xiancheng hesitated for a moment. “No one else can, but you certainly can. I have the key; I’ll open it for you.”

The villa was lavishly decorated, clearly made entirely of imported materials. An interior staircase led to the second floor.

Li Shangmin examined everything, calculating its value.

Zhang Xiancheng suddenly said, “It looks like someone came in and rummaged through things. Wait a minute, the door was clearly locked. Was it someone from Vice
Mayor family who came?”

At this moment, Jiao Dongfang came down from the second floor, standing on the stairs with a smile.

"Yes, I've been here, and I haven't left yet. Vice Mayor Li, what brings you here to see the villa?"

Li Shangmin was secretly surprised, finding it suspicious. "It's Dongfang! You gave us quite a fright."

Zhang Xiancheng said with a forced smile, "I thought a thief had sneaked in. Mr. Jiao, do you have
a key to ?"

Jiao Dongfang came downstairs to the lobby.

"Yes, Vice Mayor He made me a key, saying I could come here to play whenever it's convenient.
When Vice Mayor He was alive, I came here once with him, and I forgot my purse here when I left. I came to pick it up today and just happened to run into
you."

Jiao Dongfang waved the purse in his hand.

"Found it, this is it. Vice Mayor Li, Vice Mayor He is dead, so he doesn't need this villa anymore.
I know you're short on housing, if you don't mind, I can talk to you and offer a symbolic price. Move in."

"Live here? I'll have nightmares every day."

"You're so timid. Actually, Vice Mayor He didn't even live here for more than a few days. He didn't die here
, so what's there to be afraid of?"

Chen Hu quickly took notes.

Li Shangmin sighed, "Building so many luxury villas isn't suitable for our national conditions! It results in
waste ."

"The bag Jiao Dongfang found, is it a backpack or a handbag?"

Li Shangmin thought for a moment and said, "A handbag."

"Is there dust on the handbag?"

"No, it's very clean. It doesn't seem like it was just found. You mean…"

"Sniff, just asking. I find something strange."

In Jiao Dongfang's office, he poured two glasses of foreign liquor and pushed one towards his driver, Yang Ke.

"Come on, cheers."

"If you make me hold the glass, it means you have something to say. President, just give the order. Speak like you're issuing a royal decree."

"Drink first."

Yang Ke downed the glass in one gulp and wiped his mouth.

"I still can't get used to foreign liquor. Wuliangye from my hometown is truly wonderful!"

"Go do something for me, something only you can accomplish."

Yang Ke said, enunciating each word clearly, "Besides being your bodyguard, I can't do anything else."

"Go back to your old profession."

Yang Ke was startled. "Steal?"

"Yes, steal from a wealthy family."

"I haven't touched a piece of clothing in years, I'm afraid I'll lose my touch."

"Once you learn a skill, you'll never forget it."

“Fine, anyway, you gave me my life. Back then, when I stole that American girl from the hotel room, you caught me.
I thought you'd send me to jail for seven or eight years, but you were so lenient. Not only did you not arrest me, but you
even kept me as a security guard, specifically to keep an eye on pickpockets who come to the hotel. Later, you promoted me to be your driver and bodyguard.
You've done me a great service; I'd go through fire and water for you. But, brother, you're not short of money.”

Jiao Dongfang laughed heartily: “Even among the three thousand retainers of Lord Mengchang, there were plenty of petty thieves. Today, I'll borrow your
expertise. Everything stolen is yours. As far as I know, there are plenty of US dollars, Hong Kong dollars, and RMB there. You
can take 100,000 or 200,000, and he definitely won't dare to report it.”

“The victim won't dare to report it?”

“That money was embezzled, it was obtained through bribery. The money's origin is illegitimate; would the owner dare report it? Even if the police investigated,
wouldn't they be exposed? I won't let you go on anything risky. As long as you don't get caught red-handed, I guarantee you won't run into
any trouble. As for gold and silver jewelry, there's definitely some, but don't be too greedy. You can
easily make several hundred thousand on this trip.”

“Such a good way to make money, I'll go.”

Jiao Dongfang calmly said, “I only have two conditions.”

Yang Ke patted his chest, “I'll agree to a hundred conditions.”

“After you open the safe, help me find a piece of paper, a permit, with my father's signature on it. Pay
special attention to anything with writing on it, like permits or similar documents. If you can find that permit for me, you
'll have done a great service.”

Yang Ke said somewhat hesitantly, “But I haven't scouted the place beforehand. Whose house is it?”

“He Qizhang, the Vice Mayor He’s house.”

Yang Ke was surprised.

"Stealing from the deputy mayor's house? He's the old man's best friend!"

"He Qizhang committed suicide. Only his son, He Kedai, his sickly wife, and a
maid remain at home."

"That compound has guards; it's not easy to get in."

Jiao Dongfang finished his drink. "I'm in charge of getting in and out. This matter must not be leaked. If anything happens,
the Public Security Bureau won't take your head; I'll take it."

Yang Ke stood with his hands at his sides. "I know the rules of the game."

Ever since he withheld three important case files from Secretary Jiao, Zhou Senlin had been uneasy. If discovered
, it would be considered deceiving the organization, resulting in dismissal at best, and investigation at worst. But handing them all over would create a huge obstacle to the subsequent investigation
. He knew the deep-seated problems of the current prosecutorial system: the lack of judicial independence, the constant
interference of higher-level party committees, the abuse of power, and the violation of judicial fairness. But what
could ?

The phone rang, and Zhou Senlin answered it.

"Hello... this is

Hao Xiangshou's voice coming through the phone: "Director Zhou, the three-person group needs to discuss something. You need to go to Secretary Jiao's
office immediately."

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Zhou Senlin pushed open the door to Secretary Jiao's office, first observing Jiao Pengyuan's expression. Jiao Pengyuan smoked silently.

Hao Xiangshou said, "The matter discussed today isn't too big or too small. Regarding the handling of Tao Suling's body,
the Municipal Party Committee has already made a decision: cremate her as soon as possible. Keeping the body around is not a good influence, and it's unnecessary. What do you think,
Lao Zhou?"

Zhou Senlin's strength was always finding a clever excuse to avoid the issue: "Wouldn't
it be better for the Public Security Bureau to handle this? I wonder if an autopsy is still needed for solving the case and conducting the investigation?"

Jiao Pengyuan, however, didn't give the head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau any leeway.

“You’re a member of the three-person team, so this is within your scope of work,”

Hao Xiangshou said more directly. “Keeping the body indefinitely isn’t good; it’s expensive, and people with ulterior motives might use it
to their advantage. If you go and talk to Tao Suling’s mother, I don’t think Comrade Tao Tieliang will have any objections.
He’ll consider the bigger picture.”

Zhou Senlin thought for a moment and said, “Comrade Tao Suling’s mother called me, insisting that the Municipal Party Committee must give her daughter
a conclusion acceptable to the family before agreeing to cremation.”

Hao Xiangshou asked with dissatisfaction, “What conclusion does she want us to come up with?”

Zhou Senlin tried his best to… His tone was calm, devoid of approval, yet clear: "Posthumously
recognized as a martyr."

Hao Xiangshou shook his head: "What a joke! He acted without authorization, died, and you're not even held accountable? You want him posthumously recognized
as a martyr? This isn't just a matter of title; it was clearly an accident! Chen Hu should be held responsible.
And did you finish the work I assigned you last time?"

Zhou Senlin suppressed his dissatisfaction. Hao Xiangshou and I are at the same level, parallel working relationships.
What right do to assign me work and speak to me like that? You're just relying on Secretary Jiao's backing, a fox borrowing the tiger's power
! He feigned ignorance and asked, "What is it?"

"It's about getting Chen Hu to write a self-criticism and come up with a decision on how to handle him."

"Since Chen Hu is still hospitalized, it's not convenient to discuss this now. It's more
appropriate to talk to him after he's discharged."

Jiao Pengyuan made the final decision: "Cremate him first; cremation won't affect the conclusion."

The

aged and haggard Bao Baozhu gazed sadly at
the portrait of . Tao Tieliang silently smoked, puffing away.

Tao's mother wiped away her tears and poured tea for Bao Baozhu.

"Thank you," Tao's mother said, choking back tears. "Old man, it's so kind of you to still think of Lingling and come all the way from the hospital to
see me. When Lingling was alive, she always said you were an upright person, a good man."

Tao Tieliang stubbed out his cigarette. "Mom, have some wine. Old Bao can hold his liquor."

"Okay, let's have a drink, you and I."

Tao's mother took a bottle of wine and filled two glasses. "Drink less, don't drink so much. Wine won't wash away your sorrows."

Bao Baozhu poured a glass, raised it to Tao Suling's portrait, bowed, and then slowly poured it on the ground. At this moment, there was
a knock on the door.

Tao's mother turned and walked to the door. "Who is it?"

Zhou Senlin's voice came from outside: "It's me, Zhou Senlin."

Tao Tieliang opened the door. "Director Zhou is here."

Bao Baozhu drank without flinching and picked up his glass.

Zhou Senlin didn't expect to run into his nemesis Bao Baozhu here. He said in surprise, "Old man? Why are you discharged from the hospital
?"

"The hospital isn't a prison. I can leave whenever I want. Who cares?" Bao Baozhu didn't even turn his head.

Tao Tieliang felt Bao Baozhu had gone too far and wanted to salvage the awkward situation.

Tao's mother spoke with barbs, "I thought of everyone, but I didn't expect Director Zhou to come."

"It's nothing, just checking in on you all. Actually, I should have come much earlier."

Zhou Senlin offered a bouquet of white flowers before Tao Suling's portrait.

Bao Baozhu coldly said, "Is it inconvenient for me to be here? You don't need to hide it from me; you're here to handle Tao
Suling affairs, aren't you? I won't avoid this matter; I want to hear it."

Tao's mother understood this was a crucial moment to seek justice for her daughter, and having the righteous and outspoken Bao Baozhu present was even better.

“If this is really the case, the old man isn’t an outsider. He and Lingling were close friends despite their age difference, and they even worked on cases together
. It wouldn’t hurt to hear his opinion.”

“Alright, let’s discuss it together. Tao Suling was a good cadre, a good comrade. The leaders and the masses
all know that. You raised a good daughter! Don’t you think so? According to old customs, a person’s
death brings peace to the family. Let’s cremate her body first to put our minds at ease. Any requests can
be made to the municipal party committee. Cremation won’t affect the resolution of the problem.”

Tao’s mother snorted resentfully, “Isn’t this just letting Lao Bao get away with it? Director Zhou, Lingling’s
car brakes were sabotaged by bad guys during the investigation and evidence collection process, which is why she was killed. Why can’t she be posthumously recognized as a martyr?”

“This question can only be discussed after the incident is investigated. If it was indeed sabotage by bad guys, and not an ordinary car accident,
then we can discuss it.”

“Mom, Director Zhou’s comments definitely weren’t just his personal opinion; it’s probably an organizational decision. Let’s just follow it
.”

Tao’s mother glared at her son. “You’re wearing an official’s uniform, yet you’re afraid of this and that. I’m not afraid. She’s been dead for over a month,
and there’s still no conclusion. I just don’t agree to cremation.”

Bao Baozhu helped Tao’s mother sit on the sofa. “Sister-in-law, don’t be angry,” he said, his gaze fixed on Zhou Senlin. “
Director Zhou , is it that having Tao Suling’s body there makes some people feel uneasy? This is clearly premeditated
murder, obstructing the investigation. Why can’t you face this matter squarely?” "You think burning someone will make the matter smaller and
the problem disappear? How come you don't shoulder any responsibility when it comes to crucial moments?"

Zhou Senlin smiled bitterly: "Old man, don't make things worse. Comrade Tieliang is in charge of investigating the brake tampering
, but he hasn't produced any strong evidence yet, has he, Tieliang?"

Tao Tieliang said helplessly: "There's been no progress."

Bao Baozhu swallowed another mouthful of wine, "Don't talk to me about this. The waters of the Municipal Party Committee are deep, are you all afraid of getting your shoes
wet ? Tieliang, it's your own sister who died!"

Tao's mother sobbed.

Zhou Senlin knew he couldn't confront this stubborn old man head-on, "Old Bao, you're all over the place, without any
strategy!"

Tao's mother said firmly: "Director Zhou, please convey my family's opinion. Without a conclusion, Lingling cannot be burned.
If anyone is to be burned, burn me first!" The sauna room of
the Five

Capitals Horizon Hotel was not open to guests, only to those whom Jiao Dongfang considered important.

Jiao Dongfang and He Kedai were lying on the bed, and two young ladies were giving them massages.

Jiao Dongfang patted the young lady's buttocks and said, "Give Young Master He a good oil massage."

"Yes, sir."

The young lady began massaging He Kedai.

She poured some clear, fragrant oil from a glass bottle, rubbed it evenly in her palm, and then
massaged He Kedai's bare back. Her slender yet elastic hands slid down his back and into He Kedai's wide massage
shorts, rubbing between his buttocks. He Kedai felt very comfortable.

"Please turn over." The young lady's voice was extremely gentle.

He Kedai changed from a lying position to a reclining position. The young lady first massaged his chest, and unconsciously slipped her hand into his shorts,
gently massaging the two round balls between his legs and his increasingly hard penis.

Jiao Dongfang did the same, and another young lady served him comfortably in the same way. But his
mind did not relax for a moment. He turned his face and said: "Ah Dai, don't be gloomy. I invited you out
to help you relax. Ladies, I sent you to Thailand for training, I guarantee you'll feel completely comfortable."

"Brother Fang, I know you're good to me." "But my dad died under mysterious circumstances. Even if a hundred prostitutes were fawning over
me, I wouldn't be happy."

"My dad said that no matter what the central government says, your family's benefits will remain unchanged. You'll still live in the house and drive the car. He
even wants to send you on a job abroad."

He Kedai said fiercely, "I'm not going anywhere. I won't die in peace until the murderer of my dad is found."

Jiao Dongfang's heart skipped a beat: "Let's not talk about these upsetting things. Kedai, do you want to have some fun by yourself?
This massage, two men together, no matter how good their relationship is, will feel awkward. I'll change rooms. You can do
whatever , just don't let my prostitute get a urinary tract infection." Jiao

Dongfang left with a smile.

After leaving the massage room, he went to the lounge. A hostess served him tea, and Jiao Dongfang sat on the sofa smoking.
A pedicurist came to give him a foot massage.

Jiao Dongfang looked at the wall clock; the hour hand pointed to midnight. He thought that by now, Yang Ke should have already sneaked into
He Qizhang's house. To facilitate Yang Ke's crime, he had arranged to meet He Ke at a hotel sauna to pick up girls.
Could find the approval document signed by his father? That damned He Qizhang had refused to hand it over;
he had searched his villa but hadn't found it. Keeping it would have unimaginable consequences. It was like a detonator, capable of igniting the municipal government building.

Yang Ke, true to his word, though not committing a crime in a long time,
still leaped over the wall and entered with practiced ease, opening the safe with practiced ease.

Yang Ke shone a small flashlight on his watch; it was exactly midnight.

Yang Ke pressed his ear to the safe door, listening for sounds, and dialed.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Xiu Xiangzhen appeared in the doorway.

Yang Ke quickly hid in a dark corner.

Xiu Xiangzhen turned on the light and checked, finding nothing amiss.

Xiu Xiangzhen muttered to himself, "It sounds like there's a sound... Ah, Qi Zhang, Qi Zhang, has your soul returned
?"

Xiu Xiangzhen walked to the phone and picked up the dial.

"Ke Dai, why aren't you back yet? I'm a little scared being alone."

He Ke was in the massage room answering the phone.

The masseuse again slipped her hand inside his short, baggy bath pants.

"Mom, Dongfang invited me to the sauna; I'll be home in a bit."

"Come back quickly, my head hurts terribly." Yang

Ke, tense, drew his dagger and held his breath, preparing for anything unusual.

Xiu Xiangzhen hung up the phone, walked to the door, turned off the light, and closed the door.

Yang Ke slipped back to the safe and continued working on it.

The safe opened, and Yang Ke used his flashlight to illuminate the inside.

The safe's compartments contained US dollars, Hong Kong dollars, RMB, a necklace, a diamond ring, and other items.

Yang Ke put the money and necklace into his bag. He took out dozens of documents and examined them with his flashlight. He found
three documents signed by Jiao Pengyuan and put them into his bag.

At this moment, He Ke, returning from the sauna, drove in and parked outside his small house. He entered the house.

Suddenly, He Ke saw a figure flash by. He quietly followed and approached.

Yang Ke, already under the eaves, threw up a rope with iron claws and grabbed the top of the wall.

He Ke shouted, "Who's there? Stop!" He

Ke rushed towards the figure.

Yang Ke nimbly grabbed the rope, climbed the wall, and jumped over it. He landed on the ground in the alley outside the wall. He

put away the rope and climbed into a waiting car.

The car sped away.

He Ke, full of suspicion, went upstairs, turned on the lights, and checked each room.

Xiu Xiangzhen came running when she heard the noise.

"Mom, was anyone here just now?"

"No."

"I saw a dark figure, it looked like he left our house. I called out, and he jumped over the wall and ran away."

Xiu Xiangzhen suddenly realized: "That's right, I think I heard some noise in your dad's study. I checked
, but I didn't see anyone."

He Ke rushed into the study, turned on the lights, and looked around sharply. He went to the safe, opened it
, and gasped, "It's over, the money's been stolen."

Xiu Xiangzhen rushed to the safe and looked inside.

Her face was pale, and her lips trembled as she said, "My jewelry is gone too." "

Strange! Dad's files have been rummaged through too. Look, they're all messed up."

Xiu Xiangzhen wailed, "Oh my god! How are we supposed to live now?!"

"You can't even protect your own home. What's the use of crying now?

Hurry up and report it to the police." "Report it to the police? Yes, report it to the police right away."

He Ke picked up the phone and dialed.

Xiu Xiangzhen put down the phone and said, "We can't report it. Neither of us knows where this money came from. What if it's of dubious
origin ? Wouldn't we just be asking for trouble? Why would a weasel target a sick duck?"

Xiu Xiangzhen cried again. He Ke

smoked and pondered. After a while, he said, "This isn't an ordinary burglary. What use would a thief have for going through files
?"

Yang Ke, who had rushed back to the Capital Horizon Hotel, stood in front of Jiao Dongfang:

"Brother, are these the files you wanted?"

Jiao Dongfang looked at the three files Yang Ke had stolen and sighed, "Unfortunately, they're not the ones I wanted."

"Then I'll find an opportunity to go again." Jiao Dongfang shook his head: "

Forget it, now that they've found you, going there will only be walking into their trap.
Where did that bastard He Qizhang hide the permit?" On the wide hillside of

the Sixth

Shooting Club, moving targets darted back and forth, and the crisp sound of gunfire echoed in one after another.

A young woman in her early twenties, wearing jeans and with long hair, named Jiang Yuexiu, pulled the trigger of a light machine gun, firing a
burst of bullets. He Kedai, carrying a submachine gun, walked up to her, aimed at the target, and fired.

Jiang Yuexiu stopped firing, removed her earplugs, and said disgruntledly, "Kedai, why did you shoot my target?
I know you're a good shot, but don't try to be clever in front of me."

He Kedai didn't stop firing; his shots were unerring.

"Sorry, I helped you eliminate it quickly because I had something urgent to say,"

Jiang Yuexiu said, pouting disappointedly. "I'm not shooting anymore."

Manager Huang, who had been waiting nearby, came over.

“Miss Jiang, not playing anymore?”

Jiang Yuexiu tossed her long hair. “I’ve saved you hundreds of bullets. Manager Huang, please don’t be shy about charging me.”

“Look at you. The daughter of the Public Security Bureau Chief, we can’t even invite her! Without Chief Jiang’s strong support,
the shooting club wouldn’t be able to open. Take this to Chief Jiang and welcome her to visit us.
Would you like to rest in the VIP room? We’ve prepared some game for you.”

“Then let’s sit for a while. Come on, Ke Dai.”

Manager Huang led Jiang Yuexiu and He Ke Dai into the VIP room. He invited the guests to sit on the sofa, took out a bottle of
Remy Martin and placed it on the coffee table, and brought out two wine glasses.

“Please enjoy your drinks, I won’t disturb you.”

He Ke Dai walked to the gun rack along the wall, where various rifles were displayed. Various pistols were displayed in the glass cabinet.

Jiang Yuexiu walked over, holding a wine glass in each hand.

"Spit it out, or shut up."

He Kedai took the wine glass. "Thank you."

Jiang Yuexiu hugged He Kedai, kissing and caressing him.

He Kedai was listless. He finished his wine and poured half a glass. He took two pieces of paper from his pocket and
stuffed them into Jiang Yuexiu's hand.

"Two deals, you get two people out of trouble. The one surnamed Zhang is a fraudster, he's only been in jail for three days, there's still hope, his family
is willing to pay 100,000. This one surnamed Li is a bit more difficult, they've wasted a lot of money and ended up with nothing
, the case is almost closed, at least twenty years in prison. Li wants to do some meritorious service and provide some testimony to prove the original materials were not
true , they're willing to pay 200,000."

"Damn, this is all you've got? Give it to me. But tell Zhang's family that they also want 200,000, not
a penny less . It's not like before, when one branch arrested three officers because of getting people out of trouble."

"Okay, I'll talk to them, I think it'll be fine, who else would we rip off if not them? But, we're paid to do things right
, can we get them out?"

Jiang Yuexiu tossed her long hair again, "You don't believe me? When have I ever failed to get people out of trouble for you! As long as they're not sent to
the execution ground , we can bring them back to life, it's just that their heads can't be reattached."

"That's why I'm begging you, I can't refuse your kindness, whether I'll earn this kind of money in the future is another matter."

“Ke Dai, why leave the river water unused? Power unused is power wasted. What you said makes sense; from now on,
I won't take anything less than 200,000. Most importantly, don't let my dad know about this.”

He Ke Dai lit a cigarette, took a few drags in a muffled voice, and said, “Yue Xiu, my dad definitely didn't commit suicide; I'm
investigating. Is it alright if I need your help?”

“No problem, Ke Dai. I'd rather your dad were a martyr murdered by bad guys; then my dad
wouldn't object to our marriage!”

He Ke Dai became suspicious: “What did your dad say about our marriage?”

Jiang Yue Xiu said nonchalantly, “He said what he wanted. He can't control me.”

“What did he say?”

“He told me to reconsider. But he didn't explicitly object.”

He Ke Dai sneered.

“He wasn't like this before, urging us to get married.”

Jiang Yue Xiu pulled He Ke Dai to sit on the sofa, snuggling into his arms and acting coquettishly.

"That's just how things are in officialdom. Your father's in trouble, and he wants to break off the engagement. He has no sense of loyalty whatsoever.
Don't worry, my Ke Dai."

He Ke Dai was moved. "Yue Xiu, you're so good to me."

He Ke Dai embraced Jiang Yue Xiu, kissing and caressing her passionately… then thrusting and embracing her wildly…

The VIP room door was flung open, and Jiao Dongfang entered.

"Well, so you two are having fun under the gun!"

He Ke Dai stood up from the sofa. He hadn't expected Jiao Dongfang to come.

"Dongfang? How did you know I was here?"

Jiao Dongfang patted He Kedai's shoulder. "Your mother called me a few days ago, saying you swore an oath
to find your father's killer. She was worried and asked me to keep an eye on you, to make sure nothing happens."

"My mother didn't know I was here."

Jiao Dongfang smiled slyly. "If I can't find you, I'll look for Yuexiu. Director Jiang said Yuexiu went to the shooting club to
shoot. If I find Yuexiu, I'll find you!"

Jiang Yuexiu came over and pulled Dongfang to sit on the sofa. "Dongfang, have a drink."

Jiao Dongfang picked up the bottle, looked at it, and then put it down.

"Forget about this kind of wine. If you want to drink, come to my restaurant and drink Louis XIII."

He Kedai was clearly not happy about his old friend's sudden arrival. "Dongfang, did you need something?"

"I have some fun to cheer you up, come on."

"I'm annoyed, I don't want to go."

Jiao Dongfang sighed and said, "I know. Because of Uncle He's matter, our family hasn't been able to relax and have a
meal together. Kedai, if someone really shot your father, would I not help you investigate? We're all friends,
right, Yuexiu?"

Jiang Yuexiu stood between He Kedai and Jiao Dongfang, her left hand on He Kedai's shoulder and her right hand on Jiao Dongfang's
shoulder , and happily jumped up and said, "I'll sing you a Cultural Revolution song, I learned it at karaoke, it's really funny!
Karaoke Cultural Revolution songs, so trendy. Listen, 'The world is yours, as well as ours, but in the final analysis, it is
yours'! Chairman Mao was right, this world ultimately belongs to us! Come on, let's see our
world."

Jiao

Dongfang's Mercedes-Benz was in front.

Jiang Yuexiu's Honda was in the middle.

He Ke drove his BMW to bring up the rear. The convoy was impressive, with two more cars following behind.

The five vehicles marched in a grand procession from the shooting range into the congested city center.

They encountered a red light.

Jiang Yuexiu grabbed the police lights from her seat, placed them on the roof of the car, turned on the siren, and took the lead. The convoy
passed through intersections unimpeded.

Jiao Dongfang picked up the car phone and dialed a number.

Jiang Yuexiu answered the phone: "Hello, who is it?" "

Yuexiu, this is Dongfang. We're going to the Riding King Club. Do you know the way?"

"Yes."

Guided by police lights, five cars sped off, and soon the convoy entered the gates of the Riding King Club.

There were over a dozen luxury cars parked in the parking lot, but the arrival of this ostentatious convoy still caused
a stir among the wealthy people who had come for horseback riding.

"Police escort, which high-ranking official is here?"

"At least a minister-level official, otherwise they wouldn't have this kind of entourage!"

Four young men and three young women got out, and they were dumbfounded. A wealthy man patted his belly and said, "Damn,
so it turns out 's just my son and grandson! Let's go, we can't afford to mess with these guys. I've seen that woman before, she
's the daughter of the police chief."

Another wealthy man retorted, "No way! What are we afraid of? They're just using their power, what are they going
to do to us?"

Jiao Dongfang's bodyguard, Yang Ke, walked up to the wealthy man and said arrogantly, "Move your beat-up car, our car
is here!"

The wealthy man argued back, clearly a newcomer to the scene, "
Do , why do you have to park here?"

"I'm parking here!"

"I paid for parking, this is my space."

Another of Jiao Dongfang's bodyguards came over and punched the wealthy man in the stomach.

The wealthy man clutched his stomach and yelled, "Why are you hitting me!"

Yang Ke laughed happily, "Even a good dog doesn't block the way, we're hitting you, you bastard."

Jiao Dongfang smiled and smoked.

Seeing the situation was getting out of hand, the other car owners drove off. The beaten wealthy man was forcibly pulled into the car by his driver.

The wealthy man leaned out of the car window, stubbornly protesting, "I've noted your license plate number; I'm going to the police station to report
you !"

Jiao Dongfang laughed and said to Jiang Yuexiu, "Go tell your dad! Haha!"

"Ignore them. What are you trying to do by tricking us into coming here?"

Jiao Dongfang waved his hand, as if cracking a whip, "Riding horses! Come on, let's go change into riding outfits first .

" Under the attentive service of the waitresses, they changed into red hats, red coats, black riding breeches, and black leather boots.
Emerging from the changing room, they were all dressed in elegant attire, exuding aristocratic air.

This was a horse farm with an investment of 90 million yuan, surrounded by rural areas that had not yet escaped poverty. However, the farmers
were already used to the Ferraris, Mercedes, and BMWs that came and went from the horse farm every day, and could name the cars. The young people could even distinguish
the models from which year.

The jockeys prepared a horse for each person and led it in front of them for everyone to choose from.

Jiang Yuexiu chose first, selecting an Ili chestnut horse.

"I want this one!" "

Jiao Dongfang patted He Kedai on the shoulder.

"Kedai, you choose, the rest are mine."

"Then I'll take this one."

He Kedai also chose an Yili chestnut horse.

Jiang Yuexiu punched He Kedai in the chest.

"Why did you choose a horse when I chose one? How annoying."

Jiao Dongfang patted Jiang Yuexiu's shoulder with one hand and He Kedai's shoulder with the other, saying:

"Flying side by side, that's what you call running side by side! How about we have a race between the seven of us? If any one of you comes in
first, I'll contribute one million. If I come in first, you all contribute one million to me, is that fair?"

Jiang Yuexiu straightened her hat, "That one million is mine!"

The jockey pulled over a horse and demonstrated the mounting posture and movements.

"Don't run too fast at the beginning, wait until you're relaxed, and the horse is relaxed, then speed up. The rider and the horse need to
form a dialogue through their respective movements, so that the running is particularly harmonious. Fortunately, none of you are doing this for the first
time, I had to make all the other horses stop, there are only seven of you horses in the whole arena." "

Jiao Dongfang's four attendants, two men and two women, mounted their horses first and took a few steps. Seeing that everything was in order, Jiao Dongfang
waved his hand, and three of them mounted their horses as well.

They arrived at the starting line of the circular track with great spirit.

Jiang Yuexiu was in the inner circle, He Kedai was right next to her, followed by Jiao Dongfang and his four attendants, Shali, Zhu Ni,
Yang Ke, and Liu Side.

The jockey fired the starting gun, and the seven horses charged forward at full speed.

He Kedai intentionally let Jiang Yuexiu run ahead, blocking Jiao Dongfang's horse with his horse's head.

As Jiao Dongfang rode, he said, 'Kedai, you've put a lot of thought into this. If the two of you want to earn a million from me, let Yuexiu run
first.' " After running two hundred meters

, Jiao Dongfang's two guards suddenly accelerated. A black horse surged ahead of Jiang Yuexiu.

He Kedai tightened the reins to chase after it.

At this moment, a white horse charged up, closely following He Kedai's chestnut horse. Riding the white horse was Jiao Dongfang's
personal bodyguard, Zhu Ni.

Suddenly, the white horse stumbled, and Zhu Ni leaped off its back like a rabbit.

He Kedai's horse was startled, its front legs flailing in the air. He Kedai's body jerked backward, his right foot
detaching . His left foot, however, remained firmly locked in the horse's iron ring. The chestnut horse accelerated even further... Startled, the horse galloped wildly.
Except for his left foot being caught in the horse's sight mirror,

He Kedai was completely tumbled off the horse. His head almost hit the ground. He tried desperately to use his waist to prop himself up, but the horse was too fast; he
couldn't get leverage. He tried to pull his left foot out of the horse's harness, but couldn't.

A few minutes later, he completely lost control of his body, being dragged forward like a sack by the horse,
his head bobbing up and down.

Jiao Dongfang tried to reach for the reins of He Kedai's horse, but couldn't reach them.

Jiang Yuexiu shouted loudly from horseback, "Help! Help!" The

jockey galloped to the chestnut horse, leaped, and grabbed its reins
. The horse slowed, came to a stop, and gasped for breath.

The startled horse dragged He Kedai for over a hundred meters. The jockey pulled He Kedai's left foot from his boot. He Kedai was
covered in blood and gore; he was in shock.

Jiang Yuexiu collapsed on the track. Jiao

Dongfang's face turned pale.

"Quick... to the hospital!"

Chapter Six: The Ashes of the Columbarium, Friendship Severed, Hunting Grounds, Love Blossoms.

Today was Chen Hu's discharge day. Tao Tieliang drove a Santana into the hospital.

Chen Hu packed his daily necessities and medicine into a bag, ready to leave.

Tao Tieliang knocked on the door. Chen Hu opened it and checked his watch.

"Tieliang, you're very punctual,"

Tao Tieliang said coldly. "Have you completed the discharge procedures?"

"Yes."

"Let's go."

Chen Hu's first words after getting into the car angered Tao Tieliang: "Sigh, I have no car to drive. 2020 is the end of
my historical mission ."

Tao Tieliang drove out of the hospital gate, tossing out, "I think it's you who should have ended your historical mission,
not the car."

"I'm suffocating, even a good person would get sick from being in the hospital."

Tao Tieliang ignored Chen Hu, took out a cigarette, and lit it.

"Give me one."

Tao Tieliang put the cigarette pack on his side, not giving him a cigarette.

"You're quite the jerk."

Tao Tieliang drove onto a suburban road.

Chen Hu asked, puzzled, "Where are you taking me?"

Tao Tieliang remained silent.

The Santana turned into the tree-lined road.

On both sides of the road were stalls selling incense and paper money, and a tall stone archway was inscribed with "Changling Cemetery."

The Santana entered the stone archway.

Chen Hu immediately understood that the critical moment had arrived, his face solemn, and he asked nothing.

Tao Tieliang's eyes were red, but he restrained his emotions.

The Santana drove deeper into the cemetery, with rows of tombstones on both sides.

The Santana stopped in front of a building with a sign that read "Cremation Department."

"Wait in the car,"

Tao Tieliang said, getting out and entering the cremation department office.

Chen Hu picked up the cigarette pack Tao Tieliang had left on the dashboard, pulling out a cigarette. His hand trembled, and several cigarettes
fell into the car at the same time.

Chen Hu bent down to pick them up.

Just then, Tao Tieliang knocked on the car window.

Chen Hu got out.

Tao Tieliang stood before Chen Xiao, his face pale and forlorn. The head of the cremation department said, "Please come with me. The cremation
preparations are complete."

Tao Tieliang and Chen Hu followed the head towards the cremation furnace.

The cremation room was large, with the furnace on one side.

A short conveyor belt stretched between the furnace opening and the conveyor belt, with a white cloth hanging as a barrier.

Several workers in white coats stood at attention.

"Please wait a moment," the head said, disappearing down the corridor.

Tao Tieliang said in a heavy tone, “Now you understand everything. I specifically arranged for your cremation on the day you were discharged from the hospital.
The organization decided to cremate the body. In a few minutes, Lingling… she will… I didn’t dare let my mother come, and I also declined
the leaders from the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Anti-Corruption Bureau. They might attend Lingling’s ashes placement ceremony. I
only want you to be with me, to see Lingling off one last time. I know she secretly
loved you in her heart all her life.”

The section chief walked back, followed slowly by two female workers in white coats pushing a wheelchair.

Another female worker held a black lacquered tray with a white cloth on it, and on the white cloth was a pair of scissors.

The section chief said, “This is the last time.”

The female worker lifted the white sheet on the wheelchair, revealing Tao Suling’s peaceful face.

Tao Tieliang and Chen Hu stared at Tao Suling.

The white sheet covering Tao Suling was slowly removed.

Tao Suling was wearing a red traditional Chinese jacket and red leather shoes.

Tears welled up in Chen Hu's eyes as he reached out to grab Tao Suling's hand.

Tao Tieliang pulled Chen Hu away.

"Don't touch her, let her sleep."

Four workers lifted Tao Suling off the gurney and placed her on the conveyor belt.

The section chief said, "If you want to keep a memento, you can cut off a lock of her hair."

Tao Tieliang hesitated for a moment, then picked up the scissors and cut a lock of hair from Tao Suling's head .
He placed the hair on a white cloth, wrapped the cloth around it, and put it in his shirt pocket.

The section chief pressed a button, and the conveyor belt started.

Tao Suling moved towards the furnace opening.

Due to the vibration of the conveyor belt, one of Tao Suling's shoes came off.

Chen Hu rushed forward and put the shoe back on.

Tao Suling's head entered the white curtain, and then her entire body disappeared into the white curtain.

Tao Tieliang said, "You brought Lingling here. Come with me."

This was special care; normally, family members of the deceased were not allowed to watch.

Tao Tieliang opened the iron door of the furnace opening observation window, inside which was a transparent, high-temperature resistant glass panel.

Tao Tieliang said, "Look."

Tao Suling lay in the crematorium.

The furnace was already preheated. Chen Hu peered through the observation window and suddenly saw Tao Suling's hair and
clothes being swept away as if by an invisible wind. In an instant, without a trace of flame, they vanished, leaving behind a
pale, naked body that displayed humanity's last dignity. Three seconds later, a roaring fire ignited in the furnace, and
Tao Suling 's body disappeared in the red glow of the flames.

This moment shocked Chen Hu. A strong sense of guilt made him close his eyes and slam his hands on the hard
crematorium furnace .

The section chief asked them to go outside and said, "We still need to turn the body over. A woman's pelvis is harder to cremate. The workers will use
iron hooks to crush the skeleton, so you shouldn't watch. It's too painful."

An hour later, Tao Tieliang placed the prepared elm wood urn in the mourning hall, pushed Chen Hu into the car, and drove to the gym jointly built by the public security, procuratorate, court, and judicial departments
in the city .

Tao Tieliang and Chen Hu entered the gym. Inside, many people were exercising on various machines.

Tao Tieliang and Chen Hu went into the locker room to change into their boxing uniforms.

After changing, Tao Tieliang tossed his boxing gloves to Chen Hu and said, "Still got it?"

Chen Hu, still in a daze, mumbled after a while, "You want to fight me?"

"Stop talking nonsense. Why haven't you changed yet? Don't let the blood stain your police uniform."

After changing, Chen Hu and Tao Tieliang each untied the ropes and crawled into the boxing ring.

Both Tao Tieliang and Chen Hu were dressed as professional boxers, standing at opposite corners of the ring.

They were playing a Muay Thai match, using both hands and feet.

Inside the arena, no one paid them any special attention.

Tao Tieliang adopted an offensive stance. "Today, let's settle our score."

Chen Hu lightly jumped, helplessly assuming a fighting posture, and said,

"I know you're sad because Tao Suling is dead. If hitting me would make you feel better, come on."

Tao Tieliang said disdainfully, "Still so arrogant? If I don't teach you a lesson, you'll really think you're the best in
the world ."

Tao Tieliang suddenly attacked... straight punches... hooks...

using both fists and feet, each blow more ferocious than the last.

Chen Hu fell to the ground, blood flowing from his nose.

"How about that, great hero? So you're just a mortal after all, unable to withstand a few punches and kicks. Showing off, showing off!
All you know is showing off, and now you've cost Lingling her life! Get up, you coward!"

At this moment, Jiao Dongfang and Jiao Xiaoyu entered the gym side by side.

After greeting some acquaintances, Jiao Dongfang said to Jiao Xiaoyu, "
How ? Not bad, right?"

Jiao Xiaoyu, standing at 1.72 meters tall, dressed in jeans, exuded youthful energy while maintaining the elegance of a well-bred young lady.
Her large, confident eyes, hidden beneath her willow-leaf eyebrows, concealed desire and longing.

Jiao Dongfang acted as if he owned the place. "I sponsored it. Soon you'll have the right to come and go. Come on,
I'll take you to the director's office and introduce you to a membership card."

Tao Tieliang and Chen Hu were engaged in their third round of Sanda (Chinese kickboxing), with Chen Hu already knocked down twice.

The gym director saw Jiao Dongfang and quickly approached him.

Jiao Dongfang said, "I came to see Deputy Director Ma. I heard he's here. Let me introduce you to a friend, my sister."

Jiao Dongfang noticed Jiao Xiaoyu walking towards the boxing ring. He saw that the boxers were Chen Hu and Tao Tieliang, and
stopped, seemingly lost in thought.

Jiao Xiaoyu reached the boxing ring, pulled up a chair, and sat down to watch.

Chen Hu began to counterattack, raising his right leg in a spinning kick… Tao Tieliang dodged beautifully, then followed with a flying left kick…
Tao Tieliang struck Chen Hu in the eye, and Chen Hu fell to the ground.

Tao Tieliang knelt beside Chen Hu, using his glove to rake Chen Hu's head.

Blood flowed from the corner of Chen Hu's eye.

Tao Tieliang leaned down, like a victor torturing a prisoner, “Vice Mayor He clearly
committed suicide, but you, in your cunning, made it a murder. And what happened? I think Tao Suling was murdered by you. I
heard you're trying to portray the car accident as a premeditated murder. Chen Hu, have you suffered from post-concussion
syndrome?”

Jiao Xiaoyu couldn't hear the conversation in the boxing ring.

Chen Hu suddenly spun up, enraged by Tao Tieliang's words.

He leaped up, launching a flying kick. Tao Tieliang was prepared, and with a punch, Chen Hu was struck.

His body swayed at the ropes and fell outside the boxing ring.

Jiao Dongfang had somehow appeared beside Jiao Xiaoyu.

Jiao Dongfang stepped forward and squatted down to check on Chen Hu. He feigned surprise and said, "Oh, isn't this Prosecutor Chen?
What a misfortune, you fell down the hillside a few days ago, and now you've fallen off the boxing ring."

Jiao Xiaoyu came over, squatted down, and examined Chen Hu's wounds, saying, "You're badly injured. I've been watching you
for a while ; you only know how to attack, not defend. Are you alright? Should I take you to the infirmary?"

Chen Hu stood up, took off his gloves, threw them on the boxing ring, ignored everyone, and turned to walk away.

Jiao Xiaoyu watched Chen Hu's retreating figure and asked her brother, Jiao Dongfang, "Who is he?"

"Chen Hu, the head of the investigation department of the city's anti-corruption bureau."

On the boxing ring, Tao Tieliang jumped down and shook hands with Jiao Dongfang. Clearly, they were old acquaintances.
Eighty kilometers from the city, the forest hunting grounds displayed their primal vitality in tranquility. Ordinary tourists,
including the wealthy, were not allowed to visit; those who came for leisure were high-ranking officials and their children.

A gunshot rang out. The birds were startled. A wild rabbit fell, struck by the gun.

Tian Congying rushed over, grabbed the rabbit, and shouted, "Hit! Hit!"

Jiao Dongfang, holding a double-barreled shotgun, followed.

"Dongfang, you're really accurate, every shot hits its mark

." "When I'm in a good mood, my marksmanship is good too."

"Dongfang, really, I've noticed you've been in a particularly good mood these past few days."

Jiao Dongfang and Tian Congying strolled through the forest. Clearly, their relationship had deepened.

Jiao Dongfang loaded a bullet. "Xiaoying, tell me, what's the happiest thing for a man?"

Tian Congying innocently looked up excitedly. "Is it success?"

Jiao Dongfang shook his head. "No. It's turning the impossible into the possible. Anyone can do the possible, that
's not success; turning the impossible into the possible, that's what shows creativity."

Tian Congying's eyes were filled with admiration and love.

Jiao Dongfang put his other hand on Tian Congying's shoulder. "I love the way you shake your head, so
innocent ."

"Are you saying I'm silly?"

"I'm saying you're innocent, that's what touched me." " No matter how cunning or wicked a man is,
even if he does all sorts of evil, he still appreciates innocence and naivety, really."

Tian Congying blinked her big eyes curiously. "You're not bad at all. You're quick-witted, broad-minded,
knowledgeable , and warm and kind."

"That's because I've hidden my flaws in front of you, and I've hidden them very successfully. You haven't answered my
question yet, how do you turn the impossible into the possible?"

Tian Congying shook her head again, finding it ridiculous, and couldn't help but smile.

"You think I'm stupid again?"

Jiao Dongfang stopped in his tracks. "To turn the impossible into the possible, there's only one way: remove
the superfluous parts. Someone asked Michelangelo, 'What is sculpture?' Michelangelo said, 'Sculpture is removing the superfluous parts from
a stone.'"

Jiao Dongfang swung his hand and chopped off a tree branch with a crisp snap.

With his dagger, he quickly cut off all the branches and leaves.

Jiao Dongfang held up the branch. "It was a tree before, now it's a walking stick." "

Tian Congying seemed to understand and said, 'That's because you removed the unnecessary parts.'

'You've learned your lesson. What I have to do seems like a lot, but it's actually just one thing: remove the unnecessary parts.
Here's your walking stick; the further in you go, the harder the path becomes.'

Tian Congying's eyes revealed respect and fear. The phrase 'removing the unnecessary parts' not only seemed
profound to her, but also somewhat cruel.

The two walked deeper into the forest. Bodyguard Yang Ke followed at a distance.

Jiao Dongfang and Tian Congying lit a campfire, with skinned rabbits hanging from tree branches for roasting.

Tian Congying lowered her head shyly, speechless under Jiao Dongfang's gaze.

The firelight attracted two patrolling forest policemen. They were stopped by Yang Ke a considerable distance from the campfire.

The older policeman shouted, 'Open flames are not allowed in the forest.'

The younger policeman gripped his pistol tightly at his waist, just in case. 'Who are you? Daring to light an open flame in the forest, you're
incredibly audacious!'

Yang Ke deliberately lit the lighter several times. 'Do you two want to wear this skin? If not, then go try it on.'" "
See that? The one roasting the wild rabbit is the son of the municipal party secretary and a member of the Central Committee. You'd better hurry up and get there!"

The two policemen stuck out their tongues and immediately fell silent.

The older policeman pleaded, "Please, brothers, please don't let anything happen to you. If you cause
a fire , we'll definitely be charged with dereliction of duty."

Yang Ke turned her face away as if she hadn't heard.

The young policeman couldn't hold back any longer, "Make sure you extinguish the fire completely before you leave, don't leave even a spark."

The older policeman tugged at the young policeman's sleeve, "Don't rush, what if they can't put it out completely? Let's
hurry back and get two buckets of water in advance, we'll feel more at ease if we put it out ourselves."

By the campfire, Jiao Dongfang wanted to kiss Tian Congying.

Tian Congying turned her head away.

"You don't like me?"

"No, I'm not good enough for you. Really, you don't understand me. I... I'm not as
innocent ..."

Tian Congying remembered the scene of selling herself at the Diping City Hotel, turned her head away, and silently shed tears.

"Let's just be friends, really, I'm not good enough for you, I... I... I've lost my virginity."

Jiao Dongfang lit a cigarette and smiled, saying, "Lost your virginity? You? I don't believe it, this must be a reason you made
up to avoid me, you're not a frivolous girl."

"Really... it's all true..."

Jiao Dongfang poked at the fire, the flames danced, and sparks flew.

He did his best to help Tian Congying regain her self-esteem, even though he had witnessed her
loss . He knew that if he didn't carefully maintain this delicate balance, once it was broken,
the woman beside him might fall back into the abyss.

So, his tone was completely casual and relaxed, "You're just Cinderella, the little match
girl . Innocent, naive, full of fantasies, wanting to be a computer engineer. I don't believe anything else.
Even if you've lost your virginity, so what? Does a woman's value lie in whether she's a virgin?
I don't believe a woman's life value is tied to a thin hymen. You are still you, you haven't lost
yourself. Xiaoying, stop making up glorious histories, in my heart you will always be the innocent, naive
little match girl. To be honest, I'm not, I'm no longer a virgin, but I'm still me. I
've seen many vain women, but none of them can move my heart. I need you to strike a match to light up my heart,
there are too many dark things in my heart, I'm asking you for help."

Tian Congying was deeply moved, she nestled in Jiao Dongfang's arms, slowly raised her face, and closed her eyes.

Jiao Dongfang kissed her passionately, caressed her... thrusting and embracing her wildly...
They felt as if their bodies had floated up into a high blue sky…

Some distance from the campfire, two dutiful but knowingly powerless forest rangers stood quietly, carrying
two red plastic buckets filled with water.

Yang Ke scoffed, “Wait until we’re gone before you go put out the fire. Don’t cause any trouble. A fire
is no joke.”

The older officer nodded and bowed obsequiously, “You really understand our job.” Meanwhile,

Chen

Hu was in his office, making instant noodles with water from a thermos while watching the midday news.

"Party Secretary and Central Committee Member Jiao Pengyuan and Mayor Lin Guanghan attended the signing ceremony of the agreement for the development of Wucai
Plaza . Party Standing Committee Member and Assistant Mayor Qian Zhong and Chairman of Wucai Group Wang Yaozu
signed the agreement. Wucai Plaza is located in the city's most bustling downtown area; nearby shopping malls will be demolished, and
Asia's largest shopping mall and office building complex will emerge here, making it a leading project in the city's urban redevelopment. After the signing ceremony,
Jiao Pengyuan raised a glass to wish Wucai Plaza success."

The television screen displayed a corresponding image to the above broadcast: Qian Zhong signing the agreement, followed by Jiao Pengyuan
clinking glasses with Wang Yaozu.

Chen Hu watched the television intently; another news item appeared, showing Jiao Pengyuan inspecting grassroots areas.

"Party Secretary Jiao Pengyuan personally investigated and researched township enterprises in Xingda County, discovering
a serious problem of enterprise collapse caused by the corruption of a very small number of cadres. Secretary Jiao pointed out that all units where the temples were impoverished while the monks were rich,
in addition to poor management, all had varying degrees of corruption. He pointed out that it was imperative
to carry out the anti-corruption struggle in a deep, sustained, and effective manner under the unified leadership of the Municipal Party Committee, which greatly encouraged the cadres present. Secretary Jiao also
pointed out that continuing to strengthen stability and unity, and maintaining a unified pace, is the basic guarantee for achieving victory in all tasks."

Zhou Senlin came in carrying a plastic bag. He turned off the TV, took out the sausages from the plastic bag, and said,
"Watching TV while eating affects digestion. You were just discharged from the hospital, and we weren't supposed to let you go to work, but you insisted on going to work and causing trouble for me. Just
eat a few slices of sausage."

"Thank you."

Zhou Senlin noticed that Chen Hu's eyes were very swollen. "Why are your eyes swollen?"

"I bumped into the wall."

Zhou Senlin pointed out the obvious: "Then who was punched off the boxing ring?"

Chen Hu smiled embarrassedly, "I deserved it, I deserved it, and it wasn't even a light punch." Zhou Senlin pulled up a chair and sat down. "

Comrade Tieliang is angry with you, just because of his sister's death? Comrade,
he's your old classmate and old friend. If he really punched you awake, I'd bow to him!"

Chen Hu said jokingly, "Actually, Tieliang couldn't beat me in the past."

"The bullet casing you found, after technical analysis, is a ①? .38 caliber American police pistol.
The origin is very strange. Besides, how could the bullet casing have flown to behind the bushes eight meters away? Could it be that
a child picked it up at the scene of the incident and threw it into the bushes?"

Chen Hu's bowl was empty of instant noodles, but his chopsticks were still reaching into it. "That possibility is very small. If
a child found it, they would definitely take it with them as a toy, not just throw it away. If it was blown away by the wind, it would be
blocked by the tree roots and branches in front, and wouldn't have gone to the back."

He poked a hole in the paper bowl with his chopsticks. "

Director Zhou, Comrade Tao Suling sacrificed her life for this second bullet casing. The discovery of the casing proves that two shots were indeed fired
at the scene . Whether He Qizhang died by suicide or homicide, it's related to those two gunshots.
These two bullets weren't fired from the same gun, which at least proves that
there were . Therefore, Comrade Tao Suling's contribution is significant. I recommend that the Municipal Party Committee award Comrade Tao Suling a commendation and posthumously
recognize her as a martyr. Yesterday, I witnessed her turn to ashes."

Zhou Senlin frowned.

"Chen Hu, I originally planned to inform you in a few days, but now I have to. You
went to investigate the scene without the organization's approval, causing a major accident with fatalities. You need to make a profound self-criticism; the organization may
give you a disciplinary action. Yet you want to claim credit for Tao Suling and even posthumously recognize her as a martyr? Have you lost your mind?"
" Illness? Some people say you took Tao Suling on a trip, and you couldn't say anything. Even getting her a 'death in the line of duty' charge might not
be approved, because this wasn't an operation approved by the organization beforehand; the responsibility for the car accident and death lies entirely with you!"

Chen Hu slammed his fist on the table.

"This isn't fair! I take full responsibility, I'll investigate, I'll accept punishment, but this can't be done to Comrade Tao Suling who sacrificed her life
! We can't let the criminals hiding behind the scenes laugh! We can't let our own people feel disheartened! We can't let
Comrade Tao Suling's spirit in heaven be at peace!"

"Don't be so stubborn," Zhou Senlin's voice was stern, but not angry. "
How ruined hasn't been investigated yet; we can't hastily conclude that someone framed you. Being wronged is a
skill in itself; don't jump up every time you're wronged. As for Comrade Tao Suling's aftermath, the Municipal Committee will handle it properly.
Sigh, have a smoke and calm down." Zhou

Senlin lit a cigarette for Chen Hu, then extinguished the lighter and said, "Hey, let me tell you something. Jiao Dongfang
told me personally that Vice Mayor He's son, He Kedai, fell off his horse and almost died
. He's in the hospital being treated."

Chen Hu's heart skipped a beat. Whenever his heart stirred, a hunch would come over him. "Smell, Vice Mayor He's family is
having a run of bad luck . The father is dead, and the son is seriously injured. Why are all the misfortunes concentrated in their family? Isn't that a bit strange?"

"Could it be that the son was disoriented because of his father's death, which is why he fell off the horse?"

"Hmm, that's possible. Director Zhou, do you remember that foreign exchange fraud case that happened at the Finance Bureau?"

Zhou Senlin was surprised that Chen Hu suddenly brought up an old case. "

I remember. The perpetrator, Yi Xin, and his accomplices were sentenced to death."

"Yes, that's the case. At the time, 3.5 million yuan was missing. I wanted to continue investigating, but
I was transferred to handle other cases. As a result, I ended up with a scar on my face."

Zhou Senlin poured Chen Hu a cup of tea and poured one for himself as well. “

Why are you thinking about that old case again? It’s a pity, we still don’t know who knocked you down and slashed your face
.”

Chen Hu touched his scar. “I can’t explain it, maybe it’s just a gut feeling.”

Chen Hu turned on the VCR, turned off the TV, and the screen showed a recording of Jiao Pengyuan raising his glass.

Zhou Senlin looked at him strangely.

“You recorded the news that just aired? What’s your purpose? Are you trying to gather information on Secretary Jiao?”

“I’m gathering information. Last time I went to the TV station, it was a news videotape of Vice Mayor He. At first, they wouldn’t give it to me, and
I had to use a letter of introduction from the Municipal Party Committee to borrow a small amount. Recording it myself makes things much easier.”

Zhou Senlin breathed a sigh of relief; Chen Hu’s tendency to overstep boundaries had always worried him.

“What’s the use? The perpetrator won’t be publicly exposed in front of the cameras, will they? Besides, this is a high-level
foreign affairs activity of the Municipal Party Committee; how could there be any clues? You can’t possibly imagine that
one of those prominent figures next to Secretary Jiao is a killer, can you?” " Chen Hu, no wonder so many people say you have a concussion-induced neurological disorder!" "

It's not surprising that people with great power are surrounded by people with great wealth. Director Zhou, why
did you suddenly transfer me out of the special task force when I was investigating the whereabouts of 3.5 million yuan in the foreign exchange fraud case?"

Zhou Senlin waved his hand impatiently, "Are you repeating the same old tune again? You're crazy. No case can
recover all the stolen money; some cases can't even recover tens or hundreds of millions. If we can bring the criminals to justice, we've
fulfilled our responsibility. As for the economic losses, we'll recover as much as we can. Your brakes were sabotaged;
has the Public Security Bureau found any clues?"

"The brakes were indeed tampered with. As for clues, there are some leads. Tao Tieliang said
they need to continue adjusting."

"The person who wants to put you to death might be somewhat connected to the death of Vice Mayor He. But this kind of thinking is
a bit out of line. Don't talk to anyone except me." "

Chen Hu sighed heavily.

"I failed to protect Comrade Tao Suling. I bear a heavy responsibility for her sacrifice. I keep dreaming about her; she
was only twenty-six!"

"You don't need to blame yourself too much. If this is a blood debt, then it must be repaid.
Tao Suling Are you going?"

"I'll go, of course I'll go."

Suddenly remembering something, Zhou Senlin stopped at the door, turned around, and said sternly, "Chen Hu, I
order you to immediately erase the footage of Secretary Jiao from the videotape, immediately."

Zhou Senlin left silently.

After seeing Zhou Senlin off, Chen Hu took the videotape into the electronic editing room under the technical department. He handed the videotape
to a technician.

"There's a person here. Zoom in on her."

"Okay, just point her out when you see her."

The technician inserted the videotape into a special-purpose video recorder and played it. Chen Hu pulled up a chair and sat down to
watch. The television screen replayed the scene of Jiao Pengyuan raising a glass at the signing ceremony in Wucai Square.

Chen Hu pointed to a beautiful woman on the screen and said, "Stop, that's her face, zoom in on her."

The technician operated the keyboard, and the face of a woman in her twenties in the back row was zoomed in on.

It was a very beautiful face with two prominent earrings.

"Director Chen, who is she?"

"Who she is, we don't know yet, let's call her the Mysterious Woman for now. Xiao Zhang, can you compile
the information onto a tape?"

"No problem."

"Can it be downloaded to the computer?"

"Yes." "

I'm waiting for it." The banquet hall of

the Five Capitals Horizon Hotel was brightly lit and bustling with people. Wang Yaozu, the developer of the Colorful Plaza, was hosting a banquet for relevant leaders of the municipal party committee and government. The banquet was a buffet style, designed to facilitate conversation among the guests. The men were dressed in suits and ties, while the women mostly wore evening gowns, adorned with jewels and exuding a captivating allure. Waiters in white coats and maids in red dresses carried glasses of wine among the guests, who freely took drinks and chatted in small groups . The dashing Jiao Dongfang was engaged in a lively conversation with Qian Zhong, the mayor's assistant. "Uncle Qian, Colorful Plaza, you've done a wonderful job." Qian Zhong, not daring to put on airs in front of Jiao Dongfang, remained humble. "You brought in the foreign investment, so the credit should go to you! Like father, like son, Dongfang, you've managed to manipulate Wang Yaozu so well, that's remarkable!" "I've got him figured out. Otherwise, would a billionaire worth tens of billions be so easily controlled by me? I'll talk to you about some things later . Is the demolition a problem?"

"The problem isn't too big for ordinary residents; they might ask for an extra room or two, and if we don't give them one, there's nothing they can do.
The trouble lies in the ministerial building where several retired ministers live. Don't underestimate them just because they're retired;
they still have connections with higher-ups. If they don't move out, it'll be a bit tricky."

Jiao Dongfang scoffed, "What are retired cadres anyway? A plucked phoenix is no better than a chicken!
At most, you can give them some more housing, and that'll shut them up. I'm more worried about that Sino-US joint venture
fast food restaurant in the corner; the American company is always getting into international lawsuits with you, and it's not easy to mess with them!"

Qian Zhong frowned, "We've explained this special situation to Wang Yaozu beforehand, and he'll go and settle things with
the Americans ."

"I know that. What if the Americans don't listen? Who cares? Let's get Wang Yaozu's money first."

Jiang Yuexiu walked up to Jiao Dongfang and started to act coquettishly.

"Hey, why are you ignoring me?"

Jiang Yuexiu noticed that the carnation on Qian Zhong's chest was a little crooked, so she said, "Uncle Qian, let me straighten it for you.
Look how refreshed you are!"

Qian Zhong didn't want to get entangled with the daughter of the police chief, so he smiled and said, "You guys have fun. I need to see Mayor Lin about something."

Jiao Dongfang said meaningfully, "Yuexiu, how is Ke Dai?"

Jiang Yuexiu said lightly, "Too busy. I only saw him once. He won't die."

"He won't die, but he probably won't live well either?"

Jiang Yuexiu looked at Jiao Dongfang suspiciously. "Dongfang, why do you seem a little gloating?"

"Look at what you're saying. I'm very upset, but I can accept reality. Yuexiu, here's a small gift for you."

Jiao Dongfang took out a brocade box from his pocket. "An, open it and see."

Jiang Yuexiu opened it and saw a pair of diamond earrings. She jumped up in surprise. "Diamond earrings! So beautiful!"

"I'm glad you like them. These earrings you're wearing, Ke Dai gave them to you, right?"

"Yes."

“The style is outdated. This is the latest Parisian style, dazzling. Put it on.”

Jiang Yuexiu hesitated slightly, then took off her ruby earrings and put on diamond earrings.

Jiao Dongfang thought to himself, “Cheap stuff, she’s all excited about a pair of earrings.
” But she said sweetly, “You’re the most beautiful tonight.”

Jiang Yuexiu gave her a sweet smile.

“Thank you, Dongfang.”

“It’s nothing. Hmph, I have something to do. See you later.”

Tian Congying sat in a corner. It was her first time attending such a grand banquet, and she looked around blankly, feeling a little awkward.
Her gaze followed Jiao Dongfang, but she didn’t dare to approach and disturb him.

Jiao Dongfang quickly walked to Tian Congying’s side. Tian Congying stood up.

“I’m sorry, I have to entertain everyone, I’ve neglected you.”

Tian Congying lost her confidence. “Actually, I shouldn’t have come. I’ve only caused you trouble and can’t help you at all.”

“You’re here, I can see you anytime, that’s enough.”

Jiao Dongfang suddenly noticed that Tian Congying was wearing two earrings. In the past, she never wore such things.

Jiao Dongfang said unhappily, "Why are you wearing earrings?"

Tian Congying muttered, "You insisted I wear them. I was afraid they'd look too shabby and embarrass you."

A look of disgust flashed in Jiao Dongfang's eyes. "You've become vulgar too. I hate women who dress themselves up in
such a flashy, jingling way."

Jiao Dongfang took the earrings off Tian Congying's ears and tossed them into a flowerpot as if they were
pieces of metal.

Jiao Dongfang scrutinized Tian Congying.

"This is much better, natural and without makeup. Excuse me, I need to leave for a while."

Jiao Dongfang walked towards the woman wearing large earrings. She was talking to a woman in her thirties in an evening gown.

In front of the microphone, the obese, bald Wang Yaozu raised his glass. Standing beside him were Jiao Pengyuan, Lin Guanghan, Qian
Zhong, and Hao Xiangshou. Not far away were Shen Shi, Jiao Dongfang, the woman with the large earrings, and her female companion.

Wang Yaozu spoke into the microphone: "Respected Secretary Jiao Pengyuan, Mayor Lin Xianhan."

At this moment, Chen Hu, dressed in black with a striped tie, arrived at the banquet hall entrance, where he was
stopped by a waiter.

"Excuse me, sir, your invitation is not provided."

Chen Hu pulled out his work ID from his pocket.

"On official business, may I enter?"

the waiter asked with a smile.

"You must be the head of security, please come in."

Chen Hu entered, took a glass of Remy Martin from the tray of a woman in a red dress, and used it to cover his face. His gaze
swept across the room, searching for the mysterious woman he was looking for.

Wang Yaozu continued his speech: "Ladies and gentlemen, on this auspicious day of signing the agreement for the development of the Colorful Plaza,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt respect to Secretary Jiao, Mayor Lin, and all the leaders present.
Let us join hands and present the Colorful Plaza to you as soon as possible. Thank you all."

The band began to play melodious music.

Wang Yaozu clinked glasses with Jiao Pengyuan, then with Lin Guanghan and Qian Zhong.

Jiao Dongfang whispered to the woman with the large earrings, "Miss Siyu, you look absolutely radiant today. Wow,
those are beautiful earrings. You're the most captivating woman tonight."

Qiu Siyu possessed a captivating charm that even the most alluring women in the mainland lacked. She leaned forward,
pressing her body against Jiao Dongfang. "Thank you. Mr. Jiao, you are the star of the night."

"I'm hardly the star. At most, I'm just the emcee,"

said Ge Mengmeng, a middle-aged woman who had been standing nearby, in a sarcastic tone. "Why is Mr. Jiao suddenly
being ? Without you, Wang Yaozu wouldn't have been able to acquire such prime real estate. You always forget about me when it comes to good things."

Jiao Dongfang smiled ingratiatingly. "Sister Mengmeng, it's not that I forgot about you, it's just that too many people are eyeing you, so I had to
step aside."

He knew she was his father's former lover, so he never dared to be negligent. But he maintained a respectful distance,
pressing his lips to Qiu Siyu's face. "Miss Siyu, may I speak to you privately?"

Qiu Siyu left the crowd with Dongfang.

In a slightly secluded corner, Jiao Dongfang's attitude immediately became stern and unapproachable.

"Miss Qiu, when Vice Mayor He was alive, did he entrust you with any documents? Like approvals or
anything like that?"

Qiu Siyu asked in surprise. "No, I'm not his secretary. What confidential documents are missing?"

"Hmph, nothing, I was just asking casually. With Vice Mayor He's sudden death, some things just don't make sense."

Wang Yaozu walked up to Qiu Siyu, who was wearing large earrings, and Jiao Dongfang, and said flatteringly, "Thank you for coming, Miss Qiu Siyu
."

Qiu Siyu smiled slightly, "Mr. Wang, you haven't forgotten our conditions, have you?"

"Of course, of course."

After clinking glasses with Jiao Dongfang, Wang Yaozu clinked glasses with Ge Mengmeng next to Qiu Siyu.

"Thank you for coming, Ms. Ge. Please guide me in the future."

Ge Mengmeng's tone was somewhat sharp and cold, "You're too kind, Mr. Wang."

Chen Hu's gaze never left Wang Yaozu, following his movements like a camera lens.

His eyes lit up when he saw Qiu Siyu, the woman with large earrings, clinking glasses with Wang Yaozu. He thought,
"Sure enough, she's here.

" Chen Hu watched her walk to Jiao Pengyuan's side, speaking freely and even
somewhat frivolously with this prominent figure. She frequently clinked glasses with Lin Xianhan, Qian Zhong, and Hao Xiangshou, truly displaying
her adeptness at navigating social situations, and possessing the charm of a socialite.

Suddenly, Chen Hu noticed the woman next to the mysterious woman; she turned around, her face directly facing Chen Hu
. It was her! Chen Hu recognized the woman as Ge Mengmeng.

He asked a familiar municipal official beside him, "Isn't that Ge Mengmeng?"

"Yes, that's her. She used to be the deputy director of the confidential section of the municipal party committee office. She went to Hong Kong to start a business."

Chen Hu thought to himself, "This is a gathering of heroes." At

the

Capital Horizon Hotel, amidst the clinking of lights, uninvited guests arrived

at the hotel entrance. Two cars pulled up.

Two young men got out of the first car; they were He Kedai's henchmen, A Si and A Zhang.

They unloaded a portable wheelchair from the car and set it up.

A Si walked to the second car, opened the door, and lifted He Kedai out of the car, gently placing him in
the wheelchair.

The two pushed the wheelchair into the Capital Horizon Hotel.

He Kedai's head was wrapped in bandages, and his face was cold and stern.

A Si pushed the wheelchair up to the elevator. A guest was about to follow, but A Zhang blocked him.

"Excuse me, please wait for the next elevator."

He Kedai lifted A Si's shirt, revealing a pistol underneath.

"Ah Si, who told you to bring weapons?"

"Brother, you and Wang Yaozu were the ones who connected at Wucai Square. Jiao Dongfang kicked you
aside and he's lining his own pockets. If you have a falling out with him later, you might need them."

He Kedai's face hardened. "Nonsense! What kind of place is this? Secretary Jiao, Mayor Lin.
All the bigwigs are here. Do you think they'll tolerate your arrogance? Give me the gun, and don't show it. You guys
are more trouble than you're worth!"

He Kedai put the pistol into the drawer under his wheelchair. Although he realized Jiao Dongfang might
have cheated him on the distribution of benefits, he didn't want to resolve things in a gangster way yet. Knives and guns were out of the question; they
still had to abide by the rules they had already agreed upon to maintain their legitimacy.

Ah Si and the others pushed the wheelchair to the banquet hall entrance.

"Excuse me, is this your invitation?"

Ah Si shoved aside the person offering the invitation.

Yang Ke, responsible for security, saw the waiter fall and rushed over to beat the person in the wheelchair. But upon closer inspection, he
smiled obsequiously and said, "Oh, Mr. He, you're discharged from the hospital? You've survived a close call; good fortune is sure to follow."

He Ke's gaze swept past Yang Ke, searching the crowd for prominent figures. The more important people present,
the better his trip would be.

"Not welcome?"

"You've come injured; this is quite a show. I'll go inform Mr. Jiao."

"No need. Don't meddle. I want to give Dongfang a surprise."

Chen Hu stared at He Ke. He didn't recognize the man, but sensed something was amiss and became more alert.

The wheelchair was slowly pushed to the center of the hall. He Ke's expression was stern; he ignored everyone.

All eyes were drawn to the wheelchair; many recognized him. Whispers arose: "Isn't that Vice
Mayor 's son, He Kedai?"

"Why is he in a wheelchair?"

"You don't know, Kedai fell off his horse."

"Alas, the father is dead, and the son is crippled. It's truly one misfortune after another!"

Hao Xiangshou noticed He Kedai and walked over, saying, "Kedai, what happened to you?"

"Uncle Hao, hello."

Qian Zhong also came over.

"Kedai, I heard you had an accident. I haven't had a chance to see you yet. Are you all better?"

"Thank you, Uncle Qian. It's nothing serious. I wouldn't dare trouble you!"

Jiao Dongfang had already seen the suddenly appearing He Kedai and was thinking of a plan. Jiao Pengyuan walked over kindly, like
a father, and said, "Kedai, Dongfang told me you had a bit of an accident. He said you fell quite badly,
but I see you've pulled through. Well done, son."

He Kedai's disoriented heart felt a little better. The municipal party secretary's friendly attitude in public
was tantamount to proclaiming that He Kedai was still a member of the power circle.

"Thank you, Uncle Jiao, it's just a minor injury."

Jiao Pengyuan sighed, a sigh that many people heard.

"You must take good care of yourself. I was devastated by your father's death. Ke Dai, be strong, I will take
good care of you. Just tell me if you need anything. How is your mother?"

"She's fine, thank you for remembering me."

Wang Yaozu walked over, feigning surprise. In fact, he already knew from Jiao Dongfang that He Ke Dai had an accident.

"Young Master He, what happened? You were fine when we parted last time. What accident happened?"

He Ke Dai sneered, "You still recognize me?"

Wang Yaozu smiled awkwardly, "Hmm, I heard from Dongfang that you were unwell, so I didn't dare send you an invitation."

"I didn't know why I came."

Fearing that He Ke Dai might say something bad, Wang Yaozu pushed the wheelchair to a less crowded area.

Jiao Dongfang rushed over and took Ke Dai's hand.

"Oh my, Ke Dai, why are you discharged?"

"The crematorium wouldn't take me, so I came back. Want to surprise you?"

"Surprise? Yes, surprise! You're so resilient!"

Jiang Yuexiu rushed over to He Ke Dai, saying, "Ke Dai? You're not fully recovered yet, why are you discharged?"

He Ke Dai leaned forward for Jiang Yuexiu to kiss her, saying, "Aren't you happy about being a widow?"

Jiang Yuexiu blushed, "How dare you speak so arrogantly?"

Jiao Dongfang tried to slip away, "You two have your fun, I have something to do."

He Ke Dai's voice was cold, "Stop, Dongfang, and you too, Wang Yaozu, let's get this straight."

Jiao Dongfang was a little nervous. "Speaking here? Isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

"It's quite appropriate, otherwise I wouldn't have joined in. There are a lot of people here today, so we can have an expanded meeting."

Jiang Yuexiu was worried that the city's first and second young masters would quarrel, so she smiled and tried to smooth things over , saying, "Ke Dai, let's
talk this out."

He Ke Dai turned his attention to Wang Yaozu to save face for Jiao Dongfang.

"I was the one who introduced you to Wucai Plaza, Wang Yaozu. I introduced you to Dongfang, didn't I?"

"Yes, yes.

" "I said back then that I would have a share in Wucai Plaza. Now that you've signed the papers, it's over for me? Wang Yaozu,
you're kicking me while I'm down!"

Qiu Siyu quietly walked over without greeting He Ke Dai, observing how things would develop.

Wang Yaozu had already made his judgment. He Ke Dai hadn't lost all his advantages because of his father's sudden death, and
he still had to treat him with courtesy. "You misunderstand, Young Master He. Not only can I not do that, but Dongfang is still
your good friend!" Jiao Dongfang breathed a sigh of relief. "

Ke Dai, you've misunderstood."

"Misunderstood? If I died, would Boss Wang wire the money to the King of Hell?"

Qiu Siyu gracefully floated to the wheelchair. "Oh, Young Master He, it's been a long time. Dongfang is your best buddy
, what can't you say?"

He Ke Dai despised women who depended on men. Although he had long heard that Qiu Siyu had an affair with his father, he still
said irritably, "You have no right to speak."

"Why are you so rude?"

"Who do you think you are? You bitch!" Qiu Siyu walked away aggrievedly, turning back to throw down a sentence: "Still so arrogant, huh? Don't

end up with no one even sending you a wreath ."
Chen

Hu's gaze remained fixed on the spot, but he heard nothing.

Suddenly, He Kedai swung his cane, smashing a wall lamp with a crashing sound. He was deeply enraged. Even
a Hong Kong bitch dared to mock him today.

He Kedai's voice echoed throughout the hall.

The hall fell silent instantly. People exchanged bewildered glances.

Chen Hu walked towards the wheelchair.

Yang Kedai saw He Kedai swing his cane again, thinking he was about to attack Jiao Dongfang, so he stepped forward, grabbed the wheelchair, and gave it a
sharp shove. The wheelchair hurtled towards the entrance on the accessible ramp for disabled people.

The crowd parted to make way for the wheelchair.

The wheelchair continued its forward momentum.

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